Effect of 1-MCP On Cotton Plants Under Abiotic Stress.

Ethylene regulates multiple physiological processes in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) ranging from square and boll abscission to senescence. This field study investigated the effect of an ethylene inhibiting compound 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on boll development and the corresponding subtending leaves. 1-MCP treatment significantly increased cotton boll weight at 20 days after flowering. The cotton bolls primarily get carbohydrates produced by the subtending leaves. Healthier subtending leaves might contribute to increased yield. This study showed that 1-MCP treated subtending leaves exhibited a decreased membrane damage and lipid peroxidation, and higher chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency.  The healthier state of subtending leaves may have provided more carbohydrates for the fruits which could partially explain the reason for the increased boll weight.