Development of a protocol to study the effects of potassium deficiency in cotton under controlled environmental conditions

Abstract

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) was grown in two separate experiments in a growth chamber to develop an experimental protocol for studying the effects of potassium (K) deficiency in cotton under controlled environmental conditions. Hydroponic culture techniques were implemented in the first study and sand culture techniques in the second study. Potassium was regulated in these studies by substituting all K salts with the corresponding Na salts. Leaf areas, tissue dry weights and tissue K and sodium (Na) concentrations were recorded. These studies indicated additional Na in the nutrient solutions containing less K resulted in increased tissue Na concentrations, which may have substituted for K in the plant and delayed the development of a K deficiency. Therefore, a modified solution was developed and utilized for studying the effects of K deficiency on cotton growth under controlled environmental conditions.