Hydrogen peroxide in the acclimation of colored-fiber cotton genotypes to salt stress

ABSTRACT The excess of salts in irrigation water restricts agricultural exploitation in arid and semi-arid regions. Thus, searching for strategies of cultivation under salt stress conditions is important for the expansion of irrigated agriculture in these regions. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the gas exchange and growth rates of naturally colored-fiber cotton genotypes irrigated with saline water and under exogenous foliar application of hydrogen peroxide concentrations. The experiment was carried out under greenhouse conditions, in Campina Grande - PB, using the randomized block experimental design and 4 × 3 × 2 factorial arrangement, with four concentrations of hydrogen peroxide - H2O2 (0, 25, 50, and 75 µM), three colored-fiber cotton genotypes - CG (BRS Rubi; BRS Topázio; BRS Verde) and two levels of electrical conductivity of water - ECw (0.8 and 5.3 dS m-1), with three replicates. Irrigation using water with electrical conductivity of 5.3 dS m-1 associated with foliar application of 50 µM of hydrogen peroxide favors gas exchange and growth rates of BRS Rubi cotton, at 60 days after sowing. Salinity of 5.3 dS m-1 associated with foliar applications of 50 µM of hydrogen peroxide increased the percentage of cell damage and the internal CO2 concentration, but reduced the stomatal conductance, transpiration, CO2 assimilation rate, and growth rates of BRS Topázio cotton.