Lint Quality Research Articles

INFESTATION OF DIFFERENT INSECT PESTS ON NOVEL COTTON CULTIVARS AND THEIR IMPACTS ON COTTON FIBER QUALITY PARAMETERS

Pakistan is the 5th largest producer of cotton in the world. Exports of cotton and textile products have a share of around 60 percent in overall exports of the country. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the different fiber quality parameters in relation to different insect pest populations. The introduction of this new types of cultivars may satisfy the needs of farmers for better quality and quantity, laborers who harvest crops, and other investors, including those in the cotton sector. A field research was carried out at the Cotton Research Station, Faisalabad, Pakistan, during the year 2023 cotton cultivars (VH-447, FH-1133, BH-228, SLH-94, MNH-S GOLD, BH-227, FH-1214, MNH-1095, VH-442, MNH-1090, RH-BAGHO BAHAR, MNH-1050, and MNH-TP) were evaluated for resistance to sucking pests such as whitefly (Bemisia tabaci); jassid (Amrasca biguttula biguttula); and thrips (Thrips tabaci) as well as bollworms such as pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella); spotted bollworm (Earias insulana; E. vitelli); and American bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera). There were notable variations across the genotypes in terms of the population of sucking and bollworm insect pest infestation, which lowers cotton production and negatively affects fiber quality. FH-1133 showed the lowest average populations of thrips (1.00/leaf), jassid (0.27/leaf), and whiteflies (2.00/leaf), indicating the highest resistance. The average population (9.84%) of pink bollworm larvae in residual boll. The virus percentage on different cotton genotypes recorded after 30, 60, 90, and 120 days was 0.00, 9.00, 14.00, and 19.00%, respectively. The cultivar FH-1133 was observed to be good for all other genotypes of cotton due to its yield (2372.50 kg/acre), and it had the following lint quality attributes: GOT (46.50%), staple length (28.50 mm), fiber fineness (4.70 µg/inch), and fiber strength (33.20 g/tex).

Potassium supplementation mitigates flooding stress by regulating antioxidant enzymes, photosynthetic performance, yield attributes, and lint quality in cotton plants

Flooding stress declines oxygen availability in roots that induce hypoxia stress in plants, thereby severely decline plant growth. Study was undertaken to clarify how potassium supplementation alleviates flooding stress in cotton plants. We applied potassium (K) fertilizer in pot soils at different levels; K 0 = Control (No K), K 1 = 30 mg kg−1, K 2 = 60 mg kg−1 and K 3 = 80 mg kg−1 with different duration of flooding stress s. D 0 = Normal irrigation (0 day flooding), D 1 = three days flooding, D 2 = six days flooding, D 3 = nine days flooding, D4 = twelve days flooding. The K supplementation (80 mg kg−1) in soil with 3-day flooding stress showed better combination for mitigating flooding stress. The supplementation of K3 dose (80 mg kg−1) alleviated flooding against 3-day initial flooding (D1) of which physiological traits showed better response compared to prolonged flooding stress (12-day flooding stress). The result suggests that K-involving flooding stress mitigation strategy in cotton plants was active for initial flooding stress (3-day flooding stress), while it was not fully active for pronged (upto 12-day flooding stress). Furthermore, we found K significantly improved antioxidant enzymes, photosynthetic performance, yield attributes, and lint quality.

A Non-Fungible Token and Blockchain-Based Cotton Lint Traceability Solution

As a critical raw material for the textile industry, cotton lint provides various types of cotton yarns, fabrics and finished products. However, due to the complexity of the supply chain and its many links, information records are often missing, inaccurate or lagging, resulting in low transparency and traceability. In the traditional cotton lint supply chain, the data of each link are stored in isolation; due to the lack of an effective sharing mechanism and the formation of “information silos”, complete traceability is challenging to achieve. In addition, the completeness and authenticity of documents such as lint quality reports and certificates of origin must be rapidly strengthened. Otherwise, quality problems may arise. To solve the above problems, this study proposes a cotton lint supply chain traceability system based on blockchain and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), covering the whole cotton lint production process from harvesting to selling. We use an NFT as an asset token to digitise seed cotton, cotton lint and quality inspection reports and allow participants to store and manage these assets on the blockchain. The system design includes architecture diagrams, sequence diagrams and Ethernet smart contract development based on the ERC721 standard. In addition, the integration of Interplanetary File System (IPFS) technology solves the problem of storing large files on the chain and ensures that the data are permanently preserved and cannot be tampered with. We provide a diagram of the interactions between the system components and the four core algorithms’ design, testing and verification process. We present an in-depth analysis of the solution regarding the transaction costs and smart contract security. We confirm the solution’s security, reliability and applicability through a cost evaluation and security analysis.

Exploitation of various physio-morphological and biochemical traits for the identification of drought tolerant genotypes in cotton

BackgroundDrought is one of the limiting factors for quality and quantity of cotton lint in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Therefore, development of drought tolerant cotton genotypes have become indispensable. The identification of drought tolerant genotypes is pre-requisite to develop high yielding cultivars suitable for drought affected areas.MethodsForty upland cotton accessions were selected on the basis of their adaptability and yield. The collected germplasm accessions were evaluated at seedling stage on the basis of morphological, physiological and biochemical parameters. The experiment was conducted under controlled conditions in greenhouse where these genotypes were sown under different levels of drought stress by following factorial under completely randomized design. The data were collected at seedling stages for root and shoot lengths, relative leaf water content, excised leaf water losses, peroxidase content and hydrogen peroxide concentrations in leaf tissues.ResultsThe biometrical analysis revealed that germplasm is significantly varied for recorded parameters, likewise interaction of genotypes and water stress was also significantly varied. The cotton germplasm was categorized in eight clusters based on response to water stress. The genotype Cyto-124 exhibited lowest H2O2 content under drought conditions, minimum excised leaf water loss under stress environment was exhibited by genotypes Ali Akber-802 and CEMB-33. Overall, on the basis of morphological and biochemical traits, SL-516 and Cyto-305 were found to be drought tolerant. Genotypes 1852 − 511, Stoneville 15–17 and Delta Pine-55 showed low values for root length, peroxidase activity and higher value for H2O2 contents. On the basis of these finding, these genotypes were declared as drought susceptible. ConclusionThe categorization of cotton germplasm indicating the differential response of various parameters under the control and drought stress conditions. The recorded parameters particularly relative leaf water contents and biochemical assays could be utilized to screen large number of germplasm of cotton for water deficit conditions. Besides, the drought tolerant genotypes identified in this research can be utilized in cotton breeding programs for the development of improved cultivars.

Effects of row spacing and potassium foliar applications on yield of cotton

AbstractCotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is an important crop in drought‐prone central Texas. Foliar potassium (K) application and skip‐row planting have the potential to improve productivity of rainfed cotton in this region. The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of skip‐row planting and foliar K on cotton lint yield, biomass, nutrient uptake, and lint quality in rainfed cotton from 2017 to 2020. Foliar K was applied at 0, 20, and 40 kg ha−1. Row arrangement treatments consisted of two planting geometries: 2 × 1 skip row and standard full row. Cotton yield was not affected by foliar K in all years or by row spacing in 2017, 2019, or 2020. In 2018 alone, there was greater lint yield from skip row (530 kg ha−1) compared to full row (423 kg ha−1). The skip‐row treatment resulted in significantly lower vegetative biomass and vegetative K uptake, but improved fiber quality. While foliar K application did not impact lint yield, total biomass and vegetative nitrogen and phosphorus uptake were increased with foliar K. There were year‐to‐year differences in seed and vegetative biomass, nutrient uptake, and lint quality, likely driven by differences in rainfall, with 2018 being unusually dry. Weather variation had more impact on cotton productivity than either treatment. However, given that the skip‐row treatment increased quality and yield in the driest year while not affecting yield in wetter years makes it a viable option for cotton producers looking to reduce costs and increase profits in drought‐prone regions.

Genetic progress in seed and fiber quality traits of cotton in Argentina

Context:The Argentinian national cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) breeding program has demonstrated a 3.24 kg ha−1 y−1 genetic progress in lint yield from 1965 to date. Although previous studies have examined different trends in cotton lint yield, lint quality parameters, and other agronomic traits of cultivars over time, there have been no investigations in Argentina analyzing the genetic progress in the different components of technological fiber quality, cottonseed oil and protein composition. Objectives:(i) to estimate the genetic progress of the lint and seed quality parameters among cultivars released in Argentina since 1965, (ii) to evaluate the variation of genetic progress for the lint and seed quality parameters under different environmental conditions, and (iii) to determine the correlations between lint quality and lint yield traits. Method:This study was conducted over a two-year period, involving 20 cotton cultivars grown in four different environments (achieved through varying sowing dates) in Reconquista, Santa Fe, Argentina. Several fiber variables were evaluated, including upper half mean length (UHML), strength (Str), uniformity index (UI), micronaire (Mic), short fiber index (SFI), and spinning consistency index (SCI), as well as seed measurements, such as cottonseed oil content (Oil), protein content (Prot), and cottonseed oil fatty acid composition. Results:Significant differences were observed in all the quality parameters evaluated according to the environment and genotype, highlighting the importance of agronomic management in improving the different quality parameters. Oil content in the genotypes and years studied showed significant increases over time. Likewise, the maintenance of quality parameters despite the significant increases in lint yield and some of its components is considered a positive result for the Argentinian breeding program. Pearson correlation analysis showed that LY was positively correlated with UHML, UI, SCI, oil, and linoleic acid, whereas LY was negatively correlated with SFI, and both stearic and oleic acids. Conclusions:The data obtained from this study would serve as a basis for future research to explore the mechanisms responsible for altering or increasing both the fiber quality parameters and the concentrations of these by-products to improve cotton quality in Argentina.

Effect of continuous sugarcane bagasse-derived biochar application on rainfed cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) growth, yield and lint quality in the humid Mississippi delta

Optimizing soil health through soil amendments is a promising strategy for enhancing rainwater efficiency for stabilizing crop production. Biochar, obtained by torrefaction of sugarcane bagasse, a byproduct from sugar mills, has a high potential for its use as a soil amendment, which can boost crop yields, but needs further field trials for its adoption in farming systems. A field study was conducted during 2019–2021 at Stoneville, Mississippi, to assess rainfed cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production under four biochar levels (0, 10, 20, and 40 t ha−1) on Dundee silt loam soil. The effects of biochar on cotton growth and lint yield and quality were examined. Biochar levels had no significant impact on cotton lint and seed yield for the first two years. Still, in the third year, a significant increase in lint yield by 13 and 21.7% was recorded at 20 and 40 t ha−1 biochar levels, respectively. In the third year, lint yields were 1523, 1586, 1721, and 1854 kg ha−1 at 0, 10, 20 and 40 t ha−1 biochar levels, respectively. Similarly, cotton seed yield increased by 10.8% and 13.4% in 20 and 40 t ha−1 biochar plots. This study demonstrated that successive biochar applications at 20 or 40 t ha−1 can enhance cotton lint and seed yields under rainfed conditions. These improved yields with biochar did not produce increased net returns due to the increased production costs. Many lint quality parameters were unaffected except for micronaire, fiber strength and fiber length. However, potential long-term benefits of enhanced cotton production from biochar application beyond the length of the study merit further investigation. Additionally, biochar application is more relevant when accrued carbon credits through carbon sequestration outweigh the increased production costs due to biochar application.

Exploring the Role of Anti-Oxidant on Growth and Yield of Cotton to Mitigate the Heat Stress

Agriculture experiencing a continuous pressure of food in order to meet the necessities of rising population. The cottonseed used as oilseed as well as a major source of edible oil in Pakistan. Cotton production affected by biotic and abiotic factors. Experiment was done at Central Cotton Research Institute, Multan in 2019 to study the effect of foliar application of gibberellic acid (GA), ascorbic acid (AA), citric acid (CA) and a control group in which no antioxidant was used against heat stress. Design used for experiment was randomized complete block design (RCBD). In trial cultivar of cotton CIM-610 was used. Experiment was replicated four times. Plot size was 9m (length) x 6m (width) with net plot size of 54 m2 . Statistically significant results among the morphological plus physiological attributes were observed. Almost yield parameters as plant height, nodes per plant buds per plant and bolls per plant have maximum values every month from May to October, sympodial branches (39), boll weight (2.97g), seed cotton yield (3097 kg), ginning out turn (39.133), fiber length (27.33 mm), fiber strength (28.8g tex), 100 seed weight (8.363g), fiber brightness (68.97Rd), micronaire (5.5) and uniformity index (83.48%) were leading in exogenous application of GA then AA, thirdly application of CA. In GA treatment maximum of plant height,bolls per plant, boll weight, monopodial branches and seed cotton yield were seemed. Seed cotton and lint quality yield reduced greatly due to heat stress. Antioxidants application of exogenous can sustain cotton yield and quality against heat stress conditions. Antioxidants of plants gave best results than where no treatment was applied

Delayed harvest time affects strength and color parameters in cotton fibers

AbstractCotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is the most widely used natural fiber worldwide in the textile industry; thus, maintaining or even improving fiber quality is essential to produce the best quality yarn and uniform fabrics. Final fiber quality properties are determined not only by genotypes or environmental conditions during crop development but can also be affected by other postmaturity factors, such as harvesting and ginning methods, and harvest time (HT). The aim of this study is to associate the different environmental factors that affect specific lint quality traits produced by a delay in HT, also assessing cultivar effect. This field study included four cotton cultivars evaluated at seven different HTs (manual harvested) for different quality parameters. Results indicate that prolonged exposure of cotton fiber to the environment affects lint percentage (LP), strength (Str), reflectance (Rd), and yellowness (+b). Str showed a decrease of 0.02 g tex−1 day−1 from defoliant application, whereas LP, Rd, and +b presented different rates according to the season. No differences were obtained neither for length nor for fineness and maturity (micronaire) traits. In addition, the analysis of the results together with the climatic data recorded during the experiments indicated a negative correlation among Str, Rd, and +b with the number of rainy days, accumulated precipitation, and frost temperatures. Overall, this study establishes specific relationships between certain fiber characteristics and environmental conditions, being an important tool for crop management with regards to climate predictions that could help to make estimates of economic losses when the harvest is delayed.

Ways to increase the efficiency of the seed linting process

The current state of local and foreign linters has been studied. It has been determined that local 5LP linters when linting cotton seeds do not meet the increased requirements of ginneries in cotton-textile clusters. The practice of operating serial 5LP linters shows that the actual performance of a 5LP linter is on average 50% of that stated in the passport. It was revealed that one of the main reasons for the decrease in the efficiency of the linter is not the perfection of the working body-turner. Due to the imperfection of the agitator design, the density of the seed roller increases, the quality of the lint and seeds deteriorates, and the productivity of the linter decreases. Studies of the Chinese-made MR-160-11C linter operated at the Djuma cotton plant in the Samarkand region showed an increase in the dust content of the air in the workshop due to the absence of a cleaning section for cleaning seeds in the feed system. At the same time, the increase in mechanical damage to seeds by 1.5-2.5% and clogging of the lint by 2.5-3.5% is higher than recommended by the regulations. Due to increased seed damage, these linters were not used to process plant seeds. An increase in the degree of clogging of the lint and an increase in the amount of lint with a short staple length in its composition sharply reduced the quality of the lint. When linting, the productivity of machines for seeds decreased by an average of 50-60%, for linting by 25-35% compared to passport data. To increase productivity and improve the quality of lint and seeds, a new design agitator for the 5LP linter was proposed.

Plant density influences yield, yield components, lint quality and seed oil content of cotton genotypes

Choosing suitable varieties and manipulating plant population are crucial management aspects in any cropping system that goals to improve yield, quality and the balance between plant demand and environmental resource availability. A two-year field experiment was conducted at Tehran, Iran, in a split plot design and replicated thrice to examine the effect of the planting density (low, moderate and high) on ten cotton genotypes. In term of lint yield and among the cotton genotypes G8 (1269 kg · ha−1), G4 (1263 kg · ha−1), G1 (1239 kg · ha−1) and G2 (1123 kg · ha−1) were statistically at par with each other but significantly superior to G7 (914 kg · ha−1) and G9 (936 kg · ha−1). Lint yield in high plant density (1386 kg · ha−1) was found to be remarkably superior over medium and low plant density (1029 and 890 kg · ha−1, respectively) by average of 25.7% and 35.7%, respectively. Cotton genotypes at low plant density had higher boll plant−1 (6.46% and 15.3%, respectively), lint percentage (5.8% and 12%, respectively) and lint strength (0.6% and 1.9%, respectively) compared to moderate and high plant densities. The genotypes cultivated at high plant density produced higher seed and lint yield, higher lint elasticity and lower seed oil content, lint length and lint quality index. Based on this experiment, it is concluded that high seed cotton yield can be achieved at high plant density while higher lint quality can be yielded at low plant density.

Plant population density in cotton: Addressing knowledge gaps in stand uniformity and lint quality under dryland and irrigated conditions

A recent literature review and data synthesis better defined the yield curve with plant population density in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), but it also highlighted gaps in knowledge. Few cotton plant population studies have been conducted in relatively low-yielding dryland conditions; fewer have considered the impact of uneven crop stands, which are common in actual field conditions due to planting equipment errors and seed/plant mortality; and population reports that include fiber quality measurements by Advanced Fiber Information System (AFIS) testing are lacking (rather than just the standard High Volume Instrument (HVI) measurements). To address these issues, a study was conducted in North Texas, USA with treatment combinations of two irrigation levels (0% and 90% ET replacement), five plant population densities (15,000, 30,000, 60,000, 90,000, and 120,000 plants ha-1), and two stand uniformities (even and uneven plant-to-plant spacing within rows). Canopy development was tracked by unmanned aircraft system (UAS) measurements, late-season measurements were taken of boll density and size, and lint yield and quality measurements were collected at maturity. Lint yield was unaffected by plant population density in 2020 (i.e. 15,000–120,000 plants ha-1), whereas an interaction between irrigation and plant population occurred in 2021. Lint yield was reduced by 19% with 15,000 plants ha-1 relative to 120,000 plants ha-1 under only irrigated conditions in 2021. There was no substantial or consistent effect of stand uniformity on any response variable in either year. Poor stand quality is often the basis for terminating and replanting or replacing troubled cotton crops, but these results suggest this is not justified when overall population density is 30,000 plants ha-1 or greater, depending on production environment. The risk of yield loss is clearly greater when overall plant density decreases below this level, especially in higher-yielding conditions, but the economic tradeoffs of replanting or replacing the crop must be considered. In the cotton plant, yield compensation for low plant density and uneven stands occurred primarily by increased boll number per plant and secondarily by increased boll size. Fiber quality parameters as measured by HVI and AFIS were minimally and inconsistently affected by population density and stand uniformity, suggesting that population dynamics are not critical factors cotton producers must consider in optimizing the fiber quality of their product.

Retraction: The impact of adjacent habitats on population dynamics of red cotton bugs and lint quality.

Retraction: The impact of adjacent habitats on population dynamics of red cotton bugs and lint quality.

Diversity and temporal distribution of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum races and genotypes as influenced by Gossypium cultivar.

This study assess the population diversity and temporal variability of caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (FOV) races/genotypes infecting cotton cultivars with either FOV or Meloidogyne incognita resistance. All plants sampled demonstrated typical symptoms of FOV including wilting, chlorosis and necrosis of the leaves, and discoloration of the vascular tissue in the stem. A diverse population of FOV was characterized. Eight races/genotypes of FOV were collected throughout the three site years. FOV race 1 was the most predominant in all tests (AUDPC=101.1); statistically higher numbers of isolates from LA-108 (AUDPC=59.9), race 8 (AUDPC=47.5), and race 2 (AUDPC=38.6) were also found compared to other races and genotypes collected. FOV race 1, race 2, race 8, and 108 were the most virulent races identified. The genotypes MDS-12, LA-110, and LA-127/140 were found in all tests but at a low incidence, and LA-112 was only found in trace amounts. MDS-12, LA-110, LA-112, and LA-127/140 produced less disease pressure. FOV race 4 which is highly virulent and present in California and Texas was not found in Alabama. A positive correlation was observed between the accumulation of growing degree days and FOV race 1, race 2, race 8, LA-108, and LA-110. Later symptom expression influenced by seasonal heat partially mitigates damage allowing cotton to produce bolls though they may be reduced in number and lint quality. Plant resistance to the FOV as expressed in these cultivars appears to provide better protection than M. incognita resistance. PhytoGen 72, which is resistant to FOV races/genotypes had low levels of FOV infection even though it sustained a high level of M. incognita root population density. The M. incognita resistant cultivars Deltapine 1558NR B2RF and PhytoGen 480 W3FE supported a lower nematode population density, however, FOV disease incidence was not reduced. FOV races/genotypes did not vary significantly between the nematode resistant and nematode susceptible cultivars.

Laboratory Assays of Density-Dependent Interspecific and Intraspecific Competition between Aphis gossypii and Acyrthosiphon gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Abstract Aphis gossypii Glover and Acyrthosiphon gossypii Mordvilko (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are important pests of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in Xinjiang, China, that reduce yield and lint quality. We studied competition between the two aphid species in laboratory arenas to better understand population change and competitive advantage between the two and to provide a theoretical basis for the observed population outbreak of aphids in cotton fields. To study intraspecific competition, densities of 5, 10, and 15 aphids per 5-cm-diameter leaf disc were established in individual 6-cm-diameter arenas. Equal numbers of each species were placed on leaf discs in the arenas to establish densities of 3, 5, and 10 aphids of each species per leaf disc to assess interspecific competition. In intraspecific competition assays, the mean generation time (T) and the net reproductive rate (Ro) of both species decreased as aphid density increased, while the intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) of Acy. gossypii increased as density increased. In interspecific competition assays, population growth of A. gossypii was higher than with Acy. gossypii at the same density, while the mean generation time of A. gossypii was less than with Acy. gossypii. The net reproductive rate, intrinsic rate of increase, and finite rate of increase were higher in A. gossypii than in Acy. gossypii. Density is a key factor affecting competition between A. gossypii and Acy. gossypii. The higher the density, the more intense the interspecific competition, with interspecific competitiveness of A. gossypii stronger than that of Acy. gossypii.

Heterologous expression of cry1Ia12 insecticidal gene in cotton encodes resistance against pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae); an alternate insecticidal gene for insect pest management.

Cotton is continuously exposed to sucking and chewing insect pest pressure since emergence to harvesting. Pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) has become major chewing insect pest to reduce the cotton yield and results in bad lint quality even in transgenic crops. The efficiency of insecticidal genes has been compromised due to extensive utilization of transgenic crops. The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of an alternate cry1Ia12 insecticidal gene against pink bollworm (PBW) in cotton. Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA4404 harboring pCAMBIA2300 expression vector containing cry1Ia12 gene under the control of 35S CaMV was used to transform a local cotton cultivar GS-01. The various molecular analyses revealed the transgene integration and expression in primary transformants. Among five selected transgenic plants, tcL-08 showed maximum (16.06-fold) mRNA expression of cry1Ia12 gene whereas tcL-03 showed minimum (2.33-fold) expression. Feeding bioassays of 2nd and 3rd instar pink bollworm (PBW) larvae on immature cotton bolls, flowers and cotton squares revealed up to 33.33% mortality on tcL-08 while lowest mortality (13.33%) was observed in tcL-03 and tcL-15. Furthermore, the average weight and size of survived larvae fed on transgenic plants was significantly lesser than the average weight of larvae survived on non-transgenic plants. The present study suggests the cry1Ia12 gene as an alternate insecticidal gene for the resistance management of cotton bollworms, especially PBW.

Effect of Mepiquat Chloride on Phenology, Yield and Quality of Cotton as a Function of Application Time Using Different Sowing Techniques

Mepiquat chloride (MC) is a plant growth regulator used to manage the rampant vegetative growth of cotton. A two-year field experiment was conducted at the Postgraduate Agricultural Research Station, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, during 2017 and 2018 to investigate the influence of MC applied at different times on phenology, morphology, lint yield and quality of cotton cultivated using different sowing techniques. MC was applied 50 days after sowing (DAS), 60 DAS and 70 DAS to cotton planted in flat fields (flat sowing), ridges (ridge sowing) and beds (bed sowing). The interactive effect of MC application time and sowing technique did not influence crop phenology, morphology, and lint yield and quality. It was revealed that the crop planted on beds took fewer days to flower (10%) as compared to that on the flat field, and the bed-sown crop produced a higher number of opened bolls (60%) and was characterized by a higher boll weight (32%) and seed cotton yield (50%) in comparison to the flat-sown crop. A late application of MC (at 70 DAS) caused a significant reduction in the time to flowering (8%), with a simultaneous increase in the number of opened bolls (60%), boll weight (32%), ginning out turn (8%) and lint yield (27%) as compared to MC application at 50 DAS. In terms of lint quality, cotton planted on beds had better fiber uniformity (8%) compared to that on the flat field, while MC applied at 70 DAS produced better fiber fineness by 27% in comparison to MC applied earlier. Overall, cotton planting on beds and MC application at 70 DAS may help improve cotton yield and fiber quality and may help in the mechanical picking of cotton.

Using NDVI for Variable Rate Cotton Irrigation Prescriptions

HighlightsCrop coefficients (Kcb) were calculated using Normalized Difference Vegetative Indices (NDVI) and compared to the FAO-56 method.Cotton yields using NDVI-Kcb based irrigation scheduling to a uniform checkbook irrigation were compared.Irrigated cotton yields were not significantly different between irrigation methods but were significantly higher in years requiring higher volumes of irrigation water.Cotton fiber quality was not significantly different for the two irrigation methods or plant populations.Abstract. Irrigation timing is crucial for achieving high cotton yields and lint quality. This irrigation timing is more challenging in the southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain region due to its spatial variable sandy soils with low water and nutrient holding capacities and rainfall variability during the growing season. To address these challenges, we conducted a 2-year (2017 and 2018) study evaluating two irrigation scheduling methods under a variable rate irrigation system. The two irrigation methods were: (1) a uniform irrigation management based on weekly crop water usage, and (2) spatial crop coefficients derived from normalized difference vegetative indices (NDVI). We compared cotton yields and water use efficiency using the two irrigation scheduling methods at two different planting densities. The two plant populations were 5 and 11.5 plants m2 to provide different NDVI readings and water requirements. In 2017, there were no significant differences in cotton yields due to the adequate rainfall during the growing season that required only three irrigations events. The mean irrigation depth for the NDVI method was significantly lower than the uniform method (56 and 64 mm, respectively, LSD = 4.2). In 2018, there was lower rainfall during the growing season requiring eight irrigation events and the cotton yields in the two irrigation treatments were significantly higher than the rainfed treatment. Irrigation depths in 2018 were not significantly different for the two irrigation methods. Water use efficiencies were not significantly different for the two irrigation methods. The planting density had little impact on the cotton yields, irrigation depth, water use efficiency, or cotton fiber quality. These results indicate that the NDVI-derived crop coefficient values were as effective in prescribing irrigation applications as the uniform irrigation method for irrigation management. The NDVI-derived crop coefficient irrigation method appears to be a useful tool for managing irrigation and developing irrigation prescriptions. Keywords: Cotton, Irrigation scheduling, Normalized difference vegetation indices, Variable rate irrigation

Diversification Assessment in Cotton for Lint Quality, Disease Response and Economic Attributes by Multivariate Analysis

Diversification Assessment in Cotton for Lint Quality, Disease Response and Economic Attributes by Multivariate Analysis

Combining ability estimates and heterosis analysis on major yield attributing traits and lint quality in American cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Six cotton lines and five testers were crossed in a line x tester mating design in 2019. Thereby hybrids along with 11 parents and a standard check were evaluated for combining ability and standard heterosis. Observations on sympodial branches per plant, the number of bolls per plant, boll weight, Ginning Out Turn, staple length and seed cotton yield per plant were recorded. Among the parents, GJHV 534, TVH 002, NDLH 32, TCH 1894 and RAHC 1040 displayed higher positive gca effects for the number of bolls/plant, sympodial branches/plant, span length, seed cotton yield and ginning outturn percentage. Such results suggested that all these five parents were good general combiners covering the yield contributing traits studied and may be preferred for hybridization and selection programmes. The crosses viz., TVH 002 x RAHC 1040, GJHV 534 x RAHC 1040 and TCH 1894 x NDLH 32 with higher estimates of sca effects for almost all the traits and also were observed with higher heterotic effects. Thus these hybrids could be potential hybrids for the exploitation of heterosis in cotton. Key words: Combining ability, heterosis, cotton, lint quality