S. Bajaj1, W. Wang1, S. E. Hughs2, Richard G. Percy2, Mauricio Ulloa2, and Jinfa Zhang1. (1) Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico State University, MSC 3Q, Las Cruces, NM 88003, (2) USDA-ARS, PO Box 578, 300 East College Dr., Mesilla Park, NM 88047
Cotton germplasm and at least one breeding population were evaluated for salt tolerance in 2005 and 2007. The NaCl solution (200 mM) was applied to plants after emergence or planting on alternate day for three weeks in 2005 or for four weeks in 2007. Plant height and fresh weight were recorded at the end of the studies. Cultivars and lines having the lowest reduction in plant height and fresh weight in comparison with untreated plants were considered to be salt tolerant and will be selected for further studies.
