Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Plant protection Dept., Cotton Research Institute, Gorgan, Iran
2
Cotton Research Institute of Iran, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Gorgan, Iran
3
Department of Research and development, Royan Tisan Sabz,, Tehran, Iran
4
Representative of Royan Tisan Sabz, Co. Gorgan, Iran
5
Department of Plant Bioproducts, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
10.22092/ijcr.2025.369488.1238
Abstract
Background and objectives: Optimal seed germination and proper field plant density are critical for achieving high cotton yields. Low air temperatures during sowing often slow germination and establishment, exposing seeds and seedlings to fungal and insect attacks, which reduce stand density and yield. Seedling diseases are among the major factors limiting emergence and establishment. Fungicide and insecticide treatments are widely used to control such problems, while biological control agents offer an alternative. Antagonistic bacteria, in particular, are considered promising due to their advantages such as ease of application, rapid growth, and strong rhizosphere colonization. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of fungicide and biocontrol treatments on cotton seedling establishment, disease incidence, and yield.
Materials and methods: The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with four replications at the Karkandeh and Hashemabad Cotton Research Stations in Golestan province. Treatments included seed dressing with the biological product Pars Bacil (produced by Royan Tisan Sabz Company) at 10, 15, and 20 cc per 1000 g of seed, irrigation applications at 2.5, 5, and 7.5 L ha⁻¹, chemical seed treatment with Carboxin-Thiram at 5‰ seed weight, and untreated control (positive and negative controls). Traits evaluated included percentage of seedling disease, Verticillium wilt index, first and second harvest yield, total yield, weight of 30 bolls, number of bolls per plant, and plant height. Data were analyzed using combined analysis of variance across locations.
Resultrs: Significant differences among treatments were observed across both research stations. The untreated control showed the lowest seedling establishment, with a greening percentage of 55.69%. Treatments with Carboxin-Thiram, Pars Bacil seed dressing, and irrigation application of Pars Bacil were grouped in higher statistical classes, with the highest greening percentages recorded for Carboxin-Thiram (77.68%), Pars Bacil seed dressing (72.89%), and irrigation at 7.5 L ha⁻¹ (73.52%). Carboxin-Thiram treatment, seed dressing with 20‰ of the biological compound, and irrigation applications of 2.5 and 5 L ha⁻¹ resulted in the highest yields of 3804.8, 3097.54, 3515.1, and 3161.8 g per plot, respectively.
Conclusion: The results indicate that Pars Bacil, whether used as a seed treatment or through irrigation, significantly enhanced seedling establishment and yield under field conditions. Therefore, the application of this biological compound is recommended as an effective strategy to improve stand establishment and productivity in cotton cultivation.
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