Abstract
Ethylene regulates multiple physiological processes in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) ranging from square and boll abscission to senescence. This field study investigated the effect of an ethylene inhibiting compound 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on boll development and the corresponding subtending leaves. The study was conducted in 2011 and 2012 at the Texas A & M Agri-LIFE Research Farm in Burleson County, TX. The study consisted of two rates of 1-MCP (0 and 10 g a.i. ha-1) applied at one and two weeks after first flower. Boll development and subtending leaves were studied on the tagged flowers during the growing season. 1-MCP treatment increased cotton boll weight at 20 days after flowering. This study showed that 1-MCP-treated subtending leaves exhibited decreased membrane damage and lipid peroxidation, and higher chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency at 20 to 30 days after flowering. The healthier state of subtending leaves should have provided more carbohydrates for the fruits which could partially explain the reason for the increased boll weight. However, this beneficial effect of 1-MCP did not last to the end of the growing season and failed to result in a yield increase ultimately. Multiple applications or extending effective duration of 1-MCP is desirable to enhance the activity of 1-MCP to make a significant difference in cotton yield.
Highlights
Stress-induced ethylene can be elicited by a number of factors including the following: high, freezing, and chilling temperature; water stress including drought and waterlogging; chemicals including herbicides and insects salivary fluids; physical wounding including bruising, cutting and insect biting; and pathogen [1] [2]
According to box mapping data, no significant differences were caused by 1-MCP on boll retention rate for either year of our study
A numerical decrease of boll retention rate in 1-MCP treated plants was detected both years, since 1-MCP decreased boll retention rate by 3% and 6% compared to the untreated control in the year 2011 and 2012, respectively (Table 1). 1-MCP treatment increased boll weight numerically in both years of our study according to box mapping data (Table 1)
Summary
Stress-induced ethylene can be elicited by a number of factors including the following: high, freezing, and chilling temperature; water stress including drought and waterlogging; chemicals including herbicides and insects salivary fluids; physical wounding including bruising, cutting and insect biting; and pathogen [1] [2]. Ethylene is reported to stimulate fruit abortion in cotton plants [3]-[6]. 24% to 36% of flowers produced by cotton result in bolls for harvest [7]. Since boll retention is a major determinant of cotton yield [8]-[12], any means to enhance retention should increase the potential for yield. Ethylene works as an elicitor of leaf and flower senescence [13]. Premature senescence caused a lower photosynthetic rate and less carbon accumulation and thereby decreased yield in cotton [14]. It is desirable to protect yield by antagonizing the ethylene effect that would subsequently lead to the reduction of fruit shedding and to a delay of senescence
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
