Dynamics of non-structural carbohydrates in developing leaves, bracts and floral buds of cotton

Development of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) squares (i.e. floral buds with bracts) is fundamental for yield formation. A 2-year field study was conducted to determine dry weight (DW) accumulations of cotton leaves, floral bracts and floral buds, and the changes in concentrations of non-structural carbohydrates (hexoses, sucrose and starch) in these tissues during square ontogeny as affected by fruiting positions within the plant canopy. During square development, DW accumulation of a subtending sympodial leaf and floral bracts followed a sigmoid growth curve with increasing square age, whereas the DW increase of a floral bud followed an exponential curve. Main-stem node (Node 8, 10 or 12) and branch position (proximal vs. distal) within a plant canopy significantly affected DW accumulations of the leaf, bracts and floral bud. Starch was the dominant non-structural carbohydrate in the three tissues, accounting for more than 65% of total non-structural carbohydrates (TNC). Subtending leaf TNC increased as square age increased. The bracts exhibited a smaller change in TNC than leaves. Non-structural carbohydrate concentration was the lowest in 10-day-old floral buds, and had little change during the first 15 days of square development. Within 5 days prior to anthesis, the floral-bud TNC increased dramatically, tripling at the time of floral anthesis compared with 15-day-old floral buds. Square age and fruiting position significantly affected non-structural carbohydrate concentrations of subtending leaves, bracts, and floral buds. The correlation did not exist between final boll retention and non-structural carbohydrate concentrations of floral buds at different fruiting positions under normal growth conditions. The pattern of floral-bud non-structural carbohydrates during square ontogeny suggests that major events in carbohydrate metabolism occur just prior to anthesis.