Nano-silicon and boron foliar applications for promoting growth, yield, and fiber quality of Egyptian cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.)

Abstract

Improving cotton yield and fiber quality is a necessity to supply the increasing demand for natural fibers manufacturing. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate nano-silicon (Si) and boron (B) foliar applications on growth, yield and fiber quality of Egyptian cotton cultivars (Giza 92, 94, and 95). Field experiments were conducted in the Agricultural Research and Experimental Station, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Egypt during seasons of 2019 and 2020. The experiments were laid out in a split-plot based on a Randomized Complete Block Design with five replicates. Six foliar applications (control, convention-Si, nano-Si, B, convention-Si + B, and nano-Si + B) were performed three times (45, 65, and 80 days after sowing). Results showed the superiority of Giza 95 in total and open bolls plant−1, boll weight, lint% and seed cotton yield, Giza 92 in plant height, sympodial branches plant−1 and fiber quality, while Giza 94 in seed index and color attributes. Individual nano-Si was superior in plant height (119.8 cm), boll weight (2.42 g), lint% (38.8%), seed cotton yield (40.26 g plant−1 and 3670 kg ha−1), uniformity index (85.85%), while individual B was superior in total (23.14) and open (19.91) bolls/plant. Individual Si or B had an equivalent effect on seed index, fiber length, strength and color attributes. compared with convention-Si + B, Nano-Si + B significantly increased plant height (3.42%), total (5.34%) and open (4.44%) bolls plant−1, boll weight (3.21%), lint% (1.82%), uniformity index (1.41%) while insignificantly differed in seed cotton yield, fiber length and strength. Therefore, nano-Si + B foliar applications are recommended to improve cotton production and fiber quality.