Cellular Adjustments of Cotton during Developmental Stages of Anthesis

High temperature stress has been identified as a major component in the reducing the maximum potential yield of cotton. We have a general understanding of the broad effects that high temperature stress has upon the plant, however little is understood about its effects on the flowering life cycle as a candle, a fully expanded white flower, and at one-day post flowering. Repeated growth chamber studies were performed to investigate the change physiological changes within the both the flower and its subtending leaf. Ovary analyzes were performed to identify stress markers present within the developing ovule including antioxidants, carbohydrates, and heat shock proteins. Subtending leaf analyzes were also performed to identify changes in membrane leakage, antioxidant, carbohydrate, and heat shock proteins.