Current Research on Quantifying Cotton Yield Responses to Waterlogging Stress: Indicators and Yield Vulnerability

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Agronomy
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is a vital industrial crop highly susceptible to waterlogging stress.
• Understanding the relationship between cotton yields and waterlogging indicators (CY-WI) is crucial for mitigating waterlogging-related agricultural losses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and analyze existing literature on cotton yield and waterlogging indicator (CY-WI) relationships from the 1970s to the 2020s.
• To identify trends in research focus, methodologies, and key findings regarding waterlogging impacts on cotton production.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review and meta-analysis of studies published between the 1970s and 2020s.
• Categorization of studies based on geographical origin, publication decade, waterlogging type, crop growth stage, and co-occurring stresses.

Main Results:

• China and Australia are leading contributors to CY-WI research, with a significant increase in studies during the 2010s and 2000s.
• Surface waterlogging and impacts during the flowering/boll-forming and budding stages show the strongest negative CY-WI relations.
• Compound stresses like high/low temperatures and shade intensify negative CY-WI, while prior drought or waterlogging can mitigate effects. Anti-waterlogging treatments weaken negative CY-WI relations.

Conclusions:

• Future research should prioritize compound stresses, regional CY-WI assessments tailored to cotton growth characteristics, and investigation of newer cultivars.
• Further studies are needed on early and late crop stages, and the effects of deep submergence on cotton yield.