Determination of physiological and fiber technological traits of cotton (Gossypium hirsututm L.) cultivars under deficit irrigation conditions

This study was carried out to determine the effect of deficit irrigation treatment on some physiological parameters and fiber quality characteristics in five different cotton varieties in Çukurova University Faculty of Agriculture, Field Crops Department experimental areas in 2021. The experimental design was arranged as split plots in randomized complete blocks with three replications. The irrigations (full and deficit- I%50) were applied to the main plots and the varieties (Fiona, Ba 440, May 505, May 344, May 455) to the sub-plots. Considering the one-year data of the study, it was found out that the treatments were not significant in terms of all parameters except biomass dry weight. Cultivar main effect were found to be significant for many of fiber qualty traits. Although irrigation treatment main effects wer not significant for fiber quality trait, deficit irrigation (I 100) treatment had higher values for micronaire, uniformity ratio and strength than those of full irrigation treatments. Deficit irrigation resulted in lower fiber length, reflectance and yellowness values, reduction in short fiber content, higher trash count when compared to full irrigation. According to the results of one year's study it was determined that water stress did dot negatively affect the studied traits and changes caused by deficit irrigation were not statistically significant. With the results of this study it was concluded that deficit irrigation would not cause undesirable results for optimum quality in region cotton production. Moreover, this research should be repeat with many varieites, locations and at least two or more years in order to achieve optimized conclusions.