Impact of Seed Halopriming on Germination, Morphological Traits, and Cry1Ac Gene Expression in Bt Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)

Abstract

<p>Seed priming is an effective seed pretreatment technology that enhances germination and overall crop performance by optimizing seed hydration and metabolic processes before planting. Seed quality is a critical determinant of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) crop performance, influencing germination, plant vigor, and yield. This study evaluates the effects of seed priming with potassium salts (1% and 2% KCl and K<sub>2</sub> SO<sub>4</sub>) on germination, morphological traits, and Cry1Ac gene expression in three Bt cotton cultivars (IUB-2013, NIAB-878B, FH142) as Cry1Ac enhance the pest resistance in Bt cotton and reduce the plant’s dependence on chemical insecticides. Seeds were primed for six hours, air-dried, and sown in the field. Germination rates, plant height, number of bolls per plant, boll weight, seed cotton yield, and ginning outturn (GOT) were assessed at crop maturity. Cry1Ac gene expression was quantified to explore the influence of priming treatments on transgene activity. Results demonstrated that 1% K<sub>2</sub> SO<sub>4</sub> priming significantly enhanced germination and yield-related traits, with Cry1Ac expression peaking in the IUB-2013 cultivar under 1% K<sub>2</sub> SO<sub>4</sub> treatment. These findings suggest that potassium-based halopriming improves cotton seedling establishment and Bt gene expression. This study addresses the critical gaps in understanding the effects of seed halopriming on morphological traits, germination, and expression of the Cry1Ac gene in Bt cotton while providing a novel eco-friendly and cost-effective halopriming approach, offering the potential to improve cotton production.</p>