Does Foliar‐applied Glycine Betaine Affect Endogenous Betaine Levels and Yield In Cotton?

Abstract

Glycine betaine is a quaternary ammonium compound that is naturally accumulated in many higher plants, including cotton. Field studies suggested that glycine betaine might enhance cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) yields under water deficient conditions, even though cotton is known to accumulate glycine betaine naturally. To test this, three field experiments in 1998 and 1999 were conducted in Arkansas to determine the effects of glycine betaine on cotton in response to water‐deficit stress. In general, no significant differences were found in yield components, physiological processes, or endogenous levels in glycine betaine treated cotton. Significant differences were found in endogenous levels of glycine betaine in response to water‐deficit stress. While it is possible that cotton's drought resistance is enhanced by endogenous glycine betaine accumulation, foliar applications of the compound do not appear to improve yield.