Analysis of Cotton Genotypes Under Drought Conditions In South Carolina

South Carolina is a major cotton producing state, as the crop can withstand the common intense drought and heat conditions. However, as levels of CO2 rise in the atmosphere, climate change is occurring at a faster rate, making drought conditions more prevalent. Drought conditions create a major obstacle for cotton root growth: hardpan. Hardpan is an area of high soil bulk density that limits the root penetration. To improve yield, cotton genotypes grown must have an increased water use efficiency and improved root architecture, such as longer roots, a greater surface area, and an increased diameter. In order to determine cotton varieties water use efficiency and root potential, 10 different cotton genotypes were grown under drought conditions, induced with artificial hardpan in the growing medium. Once the plants have reached boll maturity, images of the roots will be collected using advanced technology. The cotton shoots will be weighed to measure water use efficiency. The lack of results is due to the fact that boll maturity takes 4-5 weeks, meaning that it takes time for the plants to be ready for harvest. The cotton genotypes with the highest water use efficiency and most efficient root traits will be categorized as the hardiest genotypes for the South Carolina drought environment. The results will be shared with Clemson University, the SC Cotton Board, and cotton growers to allow for improved cotton genotype selection in future growing seasons