Hidden fractions: Another look at micronutrient and sodium partitioning in modern cotton cultivars
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AbstractCotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.) productivity and nutritional status depend on the uptake and allocation of both macro and micronutrients. Micronutrient deficiencies or toxicities reduce yields and must be corrected to achieve optimal yields. There is evidence that macronutrient uptake and partitioning have changed in modern cultivars, and it is therefore important to know whether a similar change has occurred with micronutrient uptake or partitioning. Total uptake and partitioning of essential micronutrients (boron, B; iron, Fe; manganese, Mn; zinc, Zn; and copper, Cu) and of sodium (Na) in different tissues of modern cultivars (FiberMax 958, FM 958; and Deltapine 1646, DP 1646) and a 1990s cultivar (Paymaster HS26, PM HS26) were determined in 2018 and 2019 at New Deal, TX. These were compared to results obtained in studies conducted 30 yr ago. The total seasonal uptake of Cu and Zn increased, whereas the total seasonal uptake of Fe and Mn decreased in modern cultivars. Newer cultivars FM 958 and DP 1646 partitioned greater percentage of Zn and Cu to the developing bolls compared to PM HS26. Iron and Mn were mostly retained in the leaves throughout the crop's life cycle. Sodium accumulated in nonphotosynthetic tissues likely as a salttolerance mechanism of cotton. However, when Na availability is far more than required for normal plant growth, Na is redistributed and accumulated into transpiring leaves. This study offers additional insights for making effective fertilizer management decisions for newer cultivars and possible problems due to excess trace elements in the soil and irrigation supply.
