Early-Season Morphological and Physiological Responses of Cotton Genotypes to Reniform Nematode and Soil Nitrogen

Soil fertility and reniform nematode (RN) directly affect early-season growth and physiology of cotton. The growth responses to soil fertility and RN may, however, vary across germplasm. A greenhouse study was conducted to determine the response of two reniform nematode resistant cotton lines (Gossypium barbadense introgressions; 08SS110-NE06.OP and 08SS100) along with two susceptible cultivars (Deltapine 16 and PHY 490 W3FE) to RN and soil nitrogen based on early season growth and physiology. The four genotypes were subjected to four different levels of N [100% of recommended rates, 150% of recommended, 50% of recommended, and base level] from sowing until harvesting, 60 days after sowing, in the presence and absence of reniform nematode.