Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
cotton institute researcher
2
Cotton research institute of Iran
10.22092/ijcr.2024.361724.1194
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Cotton plant yield is influenced by numerous factors throughout its growth period. Notably, critical growth stages, including the onset of budding, flowering, and boll formation, are particularly vulnerable to adverse environmental conditions such as drought, poor soil and air quality (low relative humidity), and extreme temperatures. Effective agricultural management strategies, including the selection of appropriate cultivars, optimal planting dates, and plant density, are essential for mitigating the impact of heat stress on the loss of fruiting structures and enhancing crop yield. This study aims to investigate the effects of various cultivars, planting dates, and plant densities on yield and its components.
Materials and Methods: To evaluate yield and its components in novel cotton cultivars, a split factorial experiment was conducted using a randomised complete block design with four replications at the Hashemabad Cotton Research Station over a two-year period commencing in 2018. The primary factor examined was planting date: (1) early season planting in May and (2) post-wheat planting. The secondary factor, structured factorially, comprised four cultivars: Hikmat, Latif, Shayan, and the SNK847 genotype, alongside three inter-plant distances of 10, 20, and 30 cm. Cultivation was conducted with an 80 cm row spacing and a seed rate of 40 kg per hectare. Thinning was performed one week after emergence in accordance with the specified inter-plant spacing treatments.
Results: The interaction between planting date, cultivar, and inter-plant spacing significantly influenced both mean and total yield. The SNK847 genotype exhibited superior yield performance on both planting dates, achieving 2601 kg/ha and 1734 kg/ha for the first and second planting dates, respectively, thereby outperforming other treatments. Higher plant density per unit area was found to offset the slower growth observed in the early season, enabling the plant canopy to reach optimal levels. This facilitated maximum solar radiation absorption, enhanced assimilate production, and improved reproductive organ development, resulting in a significantly higher yield of 2011 kg/ha with a 10 cm inter-plant spacing compared to other treatments.
Conclusion: The SNK847 genotype and a 10 cm inter-plant spacing are recommended for both planting dates based on these findings.
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