Evaluation of root traits and water use efficiency of different cotton genotypes in the presence or absence of a soil-hardpan

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is an important fiber and oil crop grown worldwide. Water and nutrient stresses are major issues affecting cotton production globally. Root traits are critical in improving water and nutrient uptake and maintaining plant productivity under optimal as well as drought conditions. However, root traits have rarely been utilized in cotton breeding programs, a major reason being the lack of information regarding genetic variability for root traits. The objective of this research was to evaluate ten selected cotton genotypes for root traits and water use efficiency. The tested genotypes included germplasm lines (PD 1 and PD 695) and cultivars that are currently grown in the southeastern USA (PHY 499WRF, PHY 444WRF, PHY 430W3FE, DP 1646B2XF, DP 1538B2XF, DP 1851B3XF, NG 5007B2XF, and ST 5020GLT). Experiments were conducted under controlled environmental conditions in 2018 and 2019. A hardpan treatment was included in the second year to evaluate the effect of a soil hardpan on root traits and water use efficiency. Genotype PHY 499WRF ranked at the top and NG 5007B2XF ranked at the bottom for root morphological traits (total and fine root length, surface area, and volume) and root weight. PHY 499WRF was also one of the best biomass producers and had high water use efficiency. PHY 444WRF, PHY 430W3FE, and PD-1 were the other best genotypes in terms of root traits and water use efficiency. All genotypes had higher values for root traits and water use efficiency under hardpan conditions. This trend indicates a horizontal proliferation of root systems when they incur a stress imposed by a hardpan. The genotypic differences identified in this research for root traits and water use efficiency would be valuable for selecting genotypes for cotton breeding programs