Effect of Drought on Trichome Density and Length in Cotton (Gossypium Hirsutum)

Cotton is a major cash crop and backbone of the textile industry in Pakistan which is badly affected by sucking insects. Drought is an important abiotic factor in trichome development. The objective of the study was to determine the effects of drought on trichome density and length. Trichome density was measured in two ways, one through the scaling method and the other through counting the trichome density manually. The scaling method is qualitative grading while quantitative grading includes trichomecount in a card of optimized length. Three scales were finalized to classify leaves on the basis of trichomes which were counted in a specific area (0.25cm2) on abaxial side of the leaf. In drought stress, trichomes density and length were measured and compared to that in normal conditions. Trichome density varies from 12 to 56 in 0.25cm2 under drought stress. On the basis of correlation of trichome density with stomatal conductance, photosynthetic rate, PAR and transpiration ratio under drought and normal conditions, it was concluded that trichome density increased as a result of drought stress.