Cottonseed yield and its quality as affected by mineral nutrients and plant growth retardants

Zakaria M Sawan,Raffaele Dello Ioio

doi:10.1080/23312025.2016.1245938

Abstract

AbstractSeed quality is one of the most important factors for stand establishment in cotton (Gossypium sp.), and the use of good quality seeds is therefore essential to obtain an optimum plant population. Conditions prevailing during seed formation can affect the quality of seed produced, and hence crop establishment in the next growing season. These conditions can affect the germination of the seeds and the ability of the seedlings to emerge from soil, these being the most critical stages during the life cycle of cotton plant. Field experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), foliar application of zinc (Zn) and calcium (Ca), the use of plant growth retardants (PGR’s) [e.g. 1,1-dimethyl piperidinium chloride (MC); 2-chloroethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (CC); or succinic acid 2,2-dimethyl hydrazide (SADH)], during square initiation and boll setting stage, on growth, seed yield, seed viability, and seedling vigor of cotton.

Highlights

Sowing is a critical time in the life cycle of any crop and the seeds are frequently exposed to adverse conditions that may compromise the establishment of seedlings in the field
From the findings of this study, it seems rational to recommended application of N at a rate of 161 of kg ha−1, spraying of cotton plants with plant PGR, and application of Zn in comparison with the ordinary cultural practices adopted by Egyptian cotton producers, it is quite apparent that applications of such PGR, Zn, and increased N fertilization rates could bring about better impact on seed yield and seedling characters studied (Sawan et al, 1998)
Under the conditions of this study, it can be concluded that addition of P at 74 kg ha−1 P2O5 and spraying cotton plants with Zn at 40 ppm and with Ca at 60 ppm can be recommended to improve cotton seed yield, viability, and seedling vigor (Sawan et al, 1999)

Summary

Introduction

Sowing is a critical time in the life cycle of any crop and the seeds are frequently exposed to adverse conditions that may compromise the establishment of seedlings in the field (de Figueiredo e Albuquerque, 2003). Cotton-seed quality is affected, to a large extent, by the indeterminate growth habit of the cotton plant, which allows seed to set and develop across an extended period of time. Seed vigor and viability are important components influencing seedling establishment, crop growth, and productivity. Any factor (biotic and/or environmental) that negatively affects seed vigor and viability during seed development will have adverse consequences on crop production, especially when seeds are sown under environmentally stressful conditions (Welch, 1995). Both size and number of seeds, produced by maternal plants, are most likely determined by their nutritional status at the time of flowering and bud initiation. The most important single determinant of mineral nutrient reserves in seeds is the mineral nutrient availability to the maternal plant during reproductive development, with increasing supplies of a particular mineral nutrient enhancing the nutrient concentration in the mature seed (Fenner, 1992)

Objectives

Methods

Findings

Conclusion