Relationship between plant canopy characteristics and photosynthetic productivity in diverse cultivars of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Genotype and plant type affect photosynthetic production by changing the canopy structure in crops. To analyze the mechanism of action of heterosis and plant type on canopy structure in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), we had selected two cotton hybrids (Shiza 2, Xinluzao 43) and two conventional varieties (Xinluzao 13, Xinluzao 33) with different plant types in this experiment. We studied canopy characteristics and their correlation with photosynthesis in populations of different genotypes and plant types during yield formation in Xinjiang, China. Canopy characteristics including leaf area index (LAI), mean foliage tilt angle (MTA), canopy openness (DIFN), and chlorophyll relative content (SPAD). The results showed that LAI and SPAD peak values were higher and their peak values arrived later, and the adjustment capacity of MTA during the flowering and boll-forming stages was stronger in Xinluzao 43, with the normal-leaf, pagoda plant type, than these values in other varieties. DIFN of Xinluzao 43 remained between 0.09 and 0.12 during the flowering and boll-forming stages, but was lower than that in the other varieties during the boll-opening stage. Thus, these characteristics of Xinluzao 43 were helpful for optimizing the light environment and maximizing light interception, thereby increasing photosynthetic capability. The photosynthetic rate and photosynthetic area were thus affected by cotton genotype as changes in the adjustment range of MTA, increases in peak values of LAI and SPAD, and extension of the functional stage of leaves. Available photosynthetic area and canopy light environment were affected by cotton plant type as changes in MTA and DIFN. Heterosis expression and plant type development were coordinated during different growth stages, the key to optimizing the canopy structure and further increasing yield.