Influence of RNA interference of phytochrome A1 gene on activity of antioxidant system in cotton

Abstract Soil salinity is one of the limiting factors in the cotton productivity throughout the world. Therefore, it is essential to generate salt-resistant cotton varieties. In this study, we aimed to reveal the mechanisms of salt tolerance in Porloq cotton varieties created using RNA interference of the phytochrome A1 gene. Considering the protective role of antioxidants, the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde) and antioxidant enzymes activity were assessed to reveal a correlation with the presence of a hairpin structure in the different cotton genotypes. It was shown that lower ROS accumulation and the increased activity of antioxidant enzymes correlated with the presence of insertion of the vector construct in the cotton genome. The reduced content of ROS and enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes was found in modified cotton varieties and lines compared to unmodified controls. In conclusion, our data indicates that the resistance to salt stress in Porloq cotton varieties (created using RNA interference) is mediated by increased antioxidant system activity.