Chlorophyll<i>a</i>fluorescence as an indicator of heat stress in cotton (<i>Gossypium hirsutum</i>L.)
MM van der Westhuizen, DM Oosterhuis, J.G. Berner, Nicole-Alice Boogaers
Abstract
Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is a major fibre crop that is greatly affected by climatic factors, especially drought and high temperatures. Excessive temperature (above 30 °C) during the reproductive stage (flowering) negatively affects cotton yield potential. Four diverse cotton genotypes were evaluated in a greenhouse study at Rustenburg, North West province, South Africa to elicit information on heat tolerance using chlorophyll a fluorescence (ChlF) measurements. The ChlF measurements were made under laboratory conditions in an effort to develop a quick, reliable and inexpensive procedure capable of predicting heat stress on cotton. Tests consisted of measurements of maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm) performed on intact leaves of cotton plants. Plants were subjected to two heat treatments, namely 30 °C and 40 °C for 6 hours, and measured with the M-PEA fluorometer. The maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm) decreased significantly when plants were subjected to 40 °C as compared to the 30 °C treatment. This decrease in the maximum quantum yield indicates damage to the photosynthetic apparatus of the plants.