High plant density by narrow plant spacing ensures cotton productivity in elite cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) genotypes under severe cotton leaf curl virus (CLCV) infestation

Abstract

This study was conducted to compare the seed cotton yield and cotton leaf curl virus (CLCV) infestations of newly evolved cotton genotypes (MNH-886, MNH-814 and CIM-496) under different plant spacings (15.0, 22.5, 30.0, 37.5 and 45.0 cm) at Cotton Research Station (CRS), Multan (71.43°E, 30.2°N and 122 m above sea level), Pakistan, during two consecutive years, that is, 2008 and 2009. The results indicate that cotton sown with 15 cm spaced plants resulted in maximum seed cotton yield only due to highest plant density (88,888 plants ha‑1), as cotton sown with 30 and 45 cm spaced plants (44,444 and 29630 plants ha‑1, respectively) had more number of bolls per plant in both years. Plant spacing had non-significant effects on boll weight and CLCV infestations. Genotypes (MNH-886 and MNH-814) resulted in the highest boll weight, number of bolls per plant and higher seed cotton yield compared with CIM-496 because of about 20% lower CLCV attack. Plant population was statistically similar for all cotton genotypes. In summary, cotton genotypes MNH-886 and MNH-814 resulted in higher seed cotton yield when sown with 15 cm plant spacing. Key words: Cotton, genotypes, plant spacing, seed cotton yield, cotton leaf curl virus (CLCV).