Gui Huiping, Dong Qiang, Zhang Hengheng, Wang Xiangru, Pang Nianchang, Wang Zhun, Liu Ji, Zheng Cangsong, Fu Xiaoqiong, Zhang Xiling, Song Meizhen
[Objective] The aim of this study was to screen cotton varieties (lines) able to tolerate low nitrogen conditions, thereby tapping the potential of cotton to absorb and utilize nitrogen. [Method] This study analyzed the differences and correlations between the main cotton agronomic traits under two nitrogen levels using the sand culture method and 270 cotton varieties from different generations in three major cotton regions as materials. Principal component analysis and the membership function method were used to screen for low nitrogen-tolerant cotton varieties. [Result] The seven agronomic traits of 270 varieties varied greatly with different nitrogen levels. The coefficients of variation were all above 10 except for the SPAD value in four batches, and root biomass and cotton plant biomass in the first batch under low nitrogen level. The variation coefficient of nitrogen accumulation reached 60.02. The maximum relative value of SPAD, leaf area, and root biomass was greater than 80% in the first batch. The maximum relative values of SPAD, plant height, root biomass, shoot biomass, and cotton plant biomass were greater than 80% in the third and fourth batches, indicating that there are low nitrogen-tolerant genotypes in the selected materials. [Conclusion] Preliminary screening identified 32 low nitrogen-tolerant cultivars, including CCRI 35, CCRI 69, Yumian 12, Xinluzao 12, and Xinluzao 23. Furthermore, 32 varieties sensitive to nitrogen stress, including CCRI 64, CCRI 662, Xinluzhong 15, and Xinluzao 53, were identified.
