Physiological Response and Breeding Strategies of Cotton to Mitigate Temperature Stress

Abstract

Cotton, an important cash crop, is under significant threat due to climate change and increased temperature fluctuations. Cultivation of cotton is negatively affected by the rise in temperature, as it impairs the plant's vital functions and leads to a reduction in the quantity and quality of yields. Cotton cultivation declines at low temperatures because the seeds germinate poorly, and the plants show stunted growth and short fibers. This review discusses the physiological responses of cotton plants to temperature stress by examining the production of antioxidants and the accumulation of osmolytes as well as the synthesis of heat shock proteins to reduce stress-induced damage. This review also investigates breeding techniques aimed at developing cotton varieties that resist temperature change variations. Marker-assisted selection together with mutant breeding along with CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing functions as new breeding methods to complement hybridization and selection methods. Targeted selection of stress tolerance traits helps modern breeding methods minimize breeding periods. Timely sowing as well as efficient soil irrigation and optimized nutrient management have been established as important measures to mitigate the effects of temperature stress on cotton yields. The study favors the integration of genomics, bioinformatics, and precision agriculture, as these components provide better breeding outcomes for the development of climate-resilient cotton. Multidisciplinary approaches allow stakeholders to protect sustainable cotton production while reducing the risks of climate change to the financial security of farmers worldwide.