Fariha Razzaq1, Ghulam Rasool1, Muhammad Saleem Chang3, Shahid Iqbal1, Saadia Shehzad1, Bibi Fatima Sarwar1, Moattar Memoon1, Haris Javed1, Ayesha Shafique1, Nimra Bajwa1, Mahnoor akram1, Shariq Ahmed1, Abdul Hafeez2, Sabahat Afzal3* and Abdul Razzaq4*
1The Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Lahore-Pakistan; 2Department of Agronomy, Sindh Agriculture University Campus, Umerkot, Sindh, Pakistan; 3Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Sub Campus Burewala, Pakistan; 4International Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Sciences, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
*Corresponding author: sabahatafzal489@gmail.com (SA); biolformanite@gmail.com (AR)
Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is a major fiber crop that strengthens the global textile industry and contributes significantly to agricultural economies. However, its productivity is increasingly affected by abiotic stresses exacerbated by climate change. Rising temperatures, irregular rainfall patterns, and increasing soil salinity disrupt cotton physiology, leading to reduced growth, inferior fiber quality, and substantial yield losses. Globally, yield reductions of 10–30% have been reported under severe drought and heat stress, while temperatures above 35–40°C during flowering significantly impair boll formation and fiber development. In addition, soil salinity affects nearly 20% of irrigated agricultural land worldwide, further limiting cotton productivity. This review aims to summarize the impacts of climate change on cotton and to elucidate the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying plant responses to drought, heat, and salinity stress. Furthermore, recent advances in biotechnology, including multi-omics approaches, CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing targeting key pathways such as GhMAPK signaling and reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulation, and transgenic strategies, are discussed for developing stress-resilient cotton cultivars. In addition, adaptive agronomic practices, including efficient irrigation management and climate-smart cultivation techniques, are highlighted. Future research should focus on integrating wild Gossypium germplasm resources and standardized phenotyping approaches to develop climate-resilient cotton varieties.