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ABSTRACT
Being macronutrient, K+ is involved in a number of metabolic processes including stimulation of over 60 enzymes. The present study was conducted to investigate whether K-priming could alleviate the effects of salinity on the growth and nutrient status of cotton seedlings. The seeds of two cotton cultivars, namely FH-113 and FH-87, were primed with solutions of three potassium sources (KNO3, K2SO4 and K2HPO4) using three concentrations (0%, 1.25% and 1.5%) of each potassium source. After 1 week of germination, the seedlings were subjected to salinity (0 and 200 mM NaCl) stress. The results showed that salinity significantly affected growth and nutrients status of cotton seedlings. The K-priming alleviated the stress condition and significantly improved dry matter as well as nutrient uptake in cotton seedlings. Of the priming treatments pre-sowing treatment with KNO3 (1.5%) was most effective in increasing shoot and root lengths and biomass of cotton seedlings. The seedlings raised from seed treated with KNO3 (1.5%) showed varied accumulation of cations (Ca2+, Na+ and K+) and faced less oxidative stress irrespective of cotton cultivars under salt stress. The results suggested that pre-sowing seed treatment with KNO3 (1.5%) might be recommended for synchronized germination and sustainable production of cotton crop under saline environments.