Response of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Genotypes to Salinity Stress in Isfahan Province

In order to examine the impact of different levels of salinity on yield and germination of 40 cultivars and local populations of cotton in greenhouse and field experiments were conducted at Rodasht Agricultural Research Station - Isfahan. In greenhouse experiments using a completely randomized design with three replications, effect of water with a salinity of 9 dS m-1 on germination rate and percentage in 40 cultivars and local populations of cotton were tested. In this experiment, three cultivar of Deltapayn 16, B557, and Lamberta with Azhyh local populations due to were selected based on higher percentage of germination for field testing phase. Field research for two years by using a split plot design with four replications was conducted. In this study, the salinity level of 4 and 8 dS m-1 main plots and three superior varieties and local populations in greenhouse experiments, formed the subplots. The results indicated significant interaction of salinity and cultivar, on yield, yield components and percent of emergence. Deltapayn 16 in the two salinity levels 4 and 8 dS m-1 produced 3602 and 3086 kg ha-1, respectively and significantly produced higher yield than other varieties. With increasing salinity from 4 to 8 dS m leaf and stem dry weight was lowest figure. With increasing salinity from 4 to 8 dS m, leaf and stem dry weight of Delta Pine 16 cultivar, compared with other less reduced. The yield of B557 variety was at the second level after Deltapayn16. Lambrayt varieties and local populations of Azhyh had lowest levels of performance at two levels of salinity. According to our results among the cultivars compared Deltapayn16 might be recommended for similar agro-climatic conditions.