Genotypic variations in photosynthetic and physiological adjustment to potassium deficiency in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)

A hydroponic culture experiment was conducted to determine genotypic variation in photosynthetic rate and the associated physiological changes in response to potassium (K) deficiency in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) seedlings with contrasting two cotton cultivars in K efficiency. The K-efficient Liaomian18 produced 66.7% more biomass than the K-inefficient NuCOTN99B under K deficiency, despite their similar biomass under K sufficiency. Compared with NuCOTN99B, Liaomian18 showed 19.4% higher net photosynthetic rate (Pn, per unit leaf area) under K deficient solutions and this was associated with higher photochemical efficiency and faster export of soluble sugars from the phloem. The lower net Pn of NuCOTN99B was attributed to higher capacity for nitrate assimilation and lower export of soluble sugars. Furthermore, NuCOTN99B showed 38.4% greater ETR/Pn than Liaomian18 under K deficiency, indicating that more electrons were driven to other sinks. Higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lower catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities resulted in higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS; e.g. O2−and H2O2) in NuCOTN99B relative to Liaomian18. Thus, the K inefficiency of NuCOTN99B, indicated by lower biomass and net Pn under K deficiency, was associated with excessively high nitrogen assimilation, lower export of carbon assimilates, and greater ROS accumulation in the leaf.

► We studied genotypic variation in physiological adjustment to K deficiency in cotton.
► Liaomian18 produced more biomass under K deficiency whereas NuCOTN99B less.
► Liaomian18 had higher Pn, higher photochemical efficiency and faster sugars export.
► The lower Pn of NuCOTN99B owed to higher N assimilation and lower sugars export.
► NuCOTN99B had greater ROS accumulation in leaf.