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VOL. 7, ISSUE 3 (2025)
Molecular physiology of abiotic stress in cotton reproduction: Current knowledge and future perspectives
Authors
Chavan Syamraj Naik, M Vijay Kumar
Abstract
This review article comprehensively examines
the impact of abiotic stresses on cotton reproductive physiology and boll
development. It highlights how drought, heat, salinity, and nutrient deficiency
disrupt cotton's reproductive processes, leading to reduced boll retention,
malformed bolls, and diminished fiber quality. The article delves into the
cellular mechanisms, elucidating how these stressors trigger membrane
destabilization, reactive oxygen species accumulation, and hormonal imbalances that
impair photosynthesis and carbohydrate allocation to developing bolls. Drought
stress is emphasized for its severe effects, including reduced tissue water
potential and impaired cell expansion during boll development. It also
upregulates ABA biosynthesis, leading to stomatal closure and accelerated
floral abscission. Heat stress is shown to compromise pollen viability and
stigma receptivity, exacerbating boll abortion through ethylene-mediated
abscission. Salinity stress induces ionic toxicity and disrupts auxin and
gibberellin signalling, vital for ovule development. Nutrient deficiencies,
particularly boron and potassium, further impair pollen tube growth and osmotic
regulation. The article underscores the critical role of hormonal regulation in
reproductive resilience, noting how elevated ABA and ethylene levels antagonize
gibberellins and cytokinin’s. It also discusses targeted interventions, such as
ethylene inhibitors like 1-MCP, which can mitigate stress-induced boll drop.
Furthermore, the review explores advancements in breeding stress-tolerant
cotton cultivars by leveraging physiological and molecular traits, and the use
of molecular tools to identify resilience-associated genes. The review
emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach integrating traditional
breeding, molecular genetics, and precision agronomy to safeguard cotton's
reproductive potential amid climate variability. By understanding the intricate
interplay between stress responses and reproductive physiology, researchers can
pave the way for sustainable cotton production in an increasingly unpredictable
environment.
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Pages:87-95
How to cite this article:
Chavan Syamraj Naik, M Vijay Kumar "Molecular physiology of abiotic stress in cotton reproduction: Current knowledge and future perspectives". International Journal of Agriculture and Plant Science, Vol 7, Issue 3, 2025, Pages 87-95
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