Yield Comparisons between Cotton Variety Xin Nong Mian 1 and Its Transgenic ScALDH21 Lines under Different Water Deficiencies in a Desert-Oasis Ecotone

Water scarcity is the major limiting factor for oasis-desert agricultural production of cotton. It necessary to improve cotton drought tolerance and minimize drought-related crop losses, transgenic approach efficient improvement. In order evaluate value ScALDH21 (G. hirsutum L.), it was tested in main region south Xinjiang, an environment extreme around desert. Transgenic cotton, overexpressing aldehyde dehydrogenase gene (ScALDH21) from desiccation-tolerant moss Syntrichia caninervis variety Xin Nong Mian 1, field-tested under six treatments based on three irrigation schedules two levels (full (FI) deficit (DI) irrigation) as follows: root zone model-simulated forecast (F) (FFI FDI), soil moisture sensor-based (S) (SFI SDI), flood experience estimates (E) (EFI EDI) growth yield performances. The results revealed that plant height leaf area increased significantly ScALDH21-transgenic genotypes all treatments. Physiological parameters such chlorophyll content, net photosynthesis rate, instantaneous water use efficiency were not highly lines compared non-transgenic plants (NT). However, showed improved superior fiber quality than NT regardless irrigation. demonstrate excellent different deficiency conditions. study also provides guidelines optimal protocol minimum requirements arid zones.