Nitrogen, potassium and plant growth retardant effects on oil content and quality of cotton seed

Z M Sawana,S A Hafez,A R Alkassas

doi:10.3989/gya.2007.v58.i3.179

Abstract

The aim of this field experiment was to investigate the effect of nitrogen, potassium and a plant growth retardant (PGR) on seed yield and protein and oil content of an Egyptian cotton cultivar ( Gossypium barbadense Giza 86). Treatments consisted of: soil application of N (95 and 143 kg N ha -1 in the form ammonium nitrate), foliar application of potassium (0, 319, 638 or 957 g K ha -1 as potassium sulfate) and foliar application of mepiquat chloride (MC) (0 and 48 + 24 g active ingredient ha -1 ) on seed, protein and oil yields and oil properties of Egyptian cotton cultivar “Giza 86” ( Gossypium barbadense ). After applying the higher N-rate, foliar application of potassium and plant growth retardant MC significantly increased seed yield and the content of seed protein and oil, seed oil refractive index, unsaponifiable matter and total unsaturated fatty acids (oleic and linoleic). In contrast, oil acid and saponification value as well as total saturated fatty acids were decreased by foliar application of potassium and MC. The seed oil content was decreased with soil application of N.

Highlights

Economic conditions in modern agriculture demand high crop yields in order to be profitable and meet the high demand for food that comes with population growth
Cotton is an important crop in Egypt that is cultivated both for its fiber and seed oil
Cotton seed is used as a protein supplement in the feed trade

Summary

Introduction

Economic conditions in modern agriculture demand high crop yields in order to be profitable and meet the high demand for food that comes with population growth (e.g., oil crops). Cotton is one of the most important fiber crops in the world (Texier, 1993). This crop is the second source of plant proteins after soybean, and the fifth oil-producing plant after soybean, palm oil, canola and sunflower (Texier, 1993). Cotton is an important crop in Egypt that is cultivated both for its fiber and seed oil. Cotton fiber is the main raw material for the textile industry which is the largest industry in Egypt. Cotton seed is used as a protein supplement in the feed trade

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion