EFFECT OF SALINE SOILS AND WATER QUALITY ON SOME COTTON TRAITS UNDER DIFFERENT LOCATIONS

Abstract: The main objectives of this study have been conducted to evaluate the effect of different locations as affected by salinity on yield and some yield components for cotton varieties. Field conditions vary from location to another as affected by soil salinity and water quality so, the gene expression differs accordingly to this condition. The seven varieties in this study were evaluated from Extra-long staple category (Giza 87, Giza 88, Giza 92, Giza 93 and Giza 96) and the long staple category (Giza 86 and Giza 94) and these varieties were grown at seven locations in Lower Egypt (Delta) over the two growing seasons of 2013 and 2014 in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Variance components over locations was calculated for earliness, cotton yield and yield components. Kafr Saad location recorded the desirable traits i.e. seed cotton yield (kf), Lint cotton yield (kf), boll weight (g), seed index (g) and lint index (g). Effect of locations were significant for all studied characters. Alexandria location more early than the other locations, also Damietta location recorded the best values for most studied traits.