The Effect of Water-Deficit Stress on the Biochemistry of the Cotton Flower

Even though cotton originates from hot and dry climates, plant growth and yield reductions still occur when water supply is limited or interrupted. Extensive research has been conducted on the physiological and metabolic effects of waterdeficit stress on the vegetative parts of the plant; however, little attention has been given to the metabolic responses of the cotton flower under water limiting conditions. Since reproductive units are severely affected by water deficits, further research is needed to elucidate the metabolic responses of cotton reproductive units under conditions of water stress in order to facilitate methods of amelioration. In this study, it was hypothesized that water-deficit stress would severely impair gas exchange functions consequently resulting in perturbation of carbohydrates of cotton reproductive units.