Effect of foliar application of different hydrogen peroxide concentrations on the biochemical traits of several cotton cultivars

• Baker T. Hassan1*, Waleed A. T. El-Fahdawi2

  Author

A field trial implemented during the 2025 growing season at the first research station of the College of Agriculture, University of Anbar. to evaluate the effect of foliar application of hydrogen peroxide at different concentrations on selected biochemical traits of several cotton cultivars. The trial followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split-plot arrangement. Three concentrations of hydrogen peroxide: 0, 50, and 75 mg/L allocated to the main plot. The sub-plots contained five cotton genotypes: W888, Coker 310, Montana, Lashata, and Spiro. The results showed that plants of the Lashata variety showed the highest catalase enzyme activity. They also had the highest leaf MDA content, SOD enzyme activity, proline acid concentration, and relative water content. These values reached 39.56 absorbance units/min/g fresh weight, 19.10 μmol/g fresh weight, 34.59 absorbance units/g fresh weight, 21.93 μg/g fresh weight, and 89.48%, respectively. Hydrogen peroxide concentrations had a significant effect. The dose of 75 mg/L gave a significant superiority in proline acid concentration, catalase enzyme activity, and leaf MDA content. These values reached 27.80 μg/g fresh weight, 39.48-absorbance units/min/g fresh weight, and 24.78 μmol/g fresh weight, respectively. Meanwhile, the control treatment showed superiority in relative water content of leaves, reaching 89.60%. The concentration of 50 mg/L recorded superiority in SOD enzyme activity, reaching 34.63-absorbance units/g fresh weight. Interactions between study factors were observed. Control treatment combined with the Lashata variety gave a significant superiority in relative water content of leaves, reaching 94.60%. However, the concentration of 75 mg/L combined with the Lashata genotype recorded significant superiority in the rest of the studied traits

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