THE EFFECT OF SALINITY ON THE INITIAL GROWTH PARAMETERS OF FINE-FIBRE COTTON VARIETIES (GOSSYPIUM HIRSUTUM L.)

Abstract

This article presents data on the initial growth parameters of finefibre cotton varieties under soil salinity conditions. Laboratory experiments were conducted to examine the effects of soil salinity on the fine-fibre cotton varieties Surkhan-16, Surkhan-18, Termez-202, Termez208, and SP-1607. The experiments were carried out in laboratory conditions using containers with a capacity of 2 kg of soil. The first group of containers contained non-saline soil, while the second group had soil treated with a 0.3% sodium chloride (NaCl) solution to simulate salinity conditions. During the experiments, key growth indicators such as root growth rate, root volume, stem length, leaf surface expansion, fresh weight of the seedlings, and total water content in the plant tissues were analyzed. The results revealed that these parameters varied significantly among the studied varieties, depending on their salinity tolerance and biological characteristics. The findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate fine-fibre cotton varieties for cultivation in saline soils, as their adaptability and resistance levels play a crucial role in ensuring stable growth and development under salinity stress