Abstract
Seed 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. Field experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), foliar application of zinc (Zn) and calcium (Ca), and the use of plant growth retardants (PGR) [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 Egyptian cotton (G. barbadense). Dry matter yield, total chlorophyll concentration, K, Zn and P-uptake plant-1, were increased with the addition of K, foliar application of Zn, and different concentrations of P (576-1728 g·ha-1 of P). Seed yield plant-1 and plot-1, seed weight, seed viability, seedling vigor, and cool germination test performance increased as a result of the addition of the high N-rate (142.8 kg·ha-1 N), the high P-rate (74 kg·ha-1 P2O5), K (47 kg·ha-1 K), and from application of Zn, and Ca and the PGR. From the findings of the present study, band application of such treatments showed improved cotton-seed yield and affected the quality of seed produced, and hence crop establishment in the next growing season.
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 [1]
The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of N and P, and K fertilization and foliar application of chelated Ca and Zn nutrients, and the plant growth retardants (PGR) (e.g., MC, chloroethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (CC) or SADH) during square initiation and boll setting stage and to identify the best combination of these production treatments in order to improve seed yield, seed weight, and seed quality of Egyptian cotton (G. barbadense)
Seed viability, seedling vigor and cool germination test: Seed viability, seedling vigor and cool germination test performance significantly increased by addition the high N-rate, as compared to the low rate
Summary
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 [1]. 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 [2]. Both size and number of seeds, produced by 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 [3]
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