Cotton Yield Research Articles

Study on Structure Design and Parameter Optimization of Diversion Rifled Feeder Based on CFD-DEM

The feeder, a critical component of pneumatic conveying and distributing fertilizer machines for cotton, significantly impacts cotton quality and yield. This study addresses the limitations of conventional feeders, namely poor delivery stability and insufficient air–fertilizer mixture uniformity, by introducing a novel feeder design incorporating guide-flow chamber vanes. Based on the structural principles of pneumatic fertilizer distribution and the theory of vortex flow feeding, the new feeder design was developed and analyzed using a CFD-DEM coupled model to simulate its operational process. Response surface methodology was employed to optimize key structural parameters, aiming to enhance both air–fertilizer mixture uniformity and fertilizer delivery stability. The optimized design features two guide vanes, a fertilizer discharge contraction angle of 23.2°, and eight chamber lines. Validation through simulation confirmed the model’s reliability, with a discrepancy of less than 5% between simulated and predicted values. Experimental validation on a pneumatic fertilizing test prototype further demonstrated the effectiveness of the optimization, resulting in a feeder stability coefficient of variation of 13.30% and a coefficient of variation in fertilizer distribution across the system’s branches of 3.96%, satisfying practical operational requirements. After optimization, the stability and uniformity of the feeder fertilizer are significantly improved. The optimized feeder design effectively improves the stability and air–fertilizer mixing uniformity of cotton pneumatic fertilizing machines, providing valuable theoretical and technical support for their design optimization and performance enhancement.

Complex Microbial Fertilizer Promotes the Growth of Summer-Sown Short-Season-Cultivated Cotton and Increases Cotton Yield in the Yangtze River Basin by Changing the Soil Microbial Community Structure

The summer-sowing short-season cotton cultivation model is an important method for simplified and mechanized cotton planting in the Yangtze River Basin. However, the effects of microbial fertilizers on cotton growth and soil under this model remain unclear. In 2023, we conducted a systematic analysis on the application of microbial fertilizers (compost) at varying levels (CK, MF1, MF2, and MF3) during different growth stages of cotton (bud, flowering, bolling, and boll opening). Results showed that appropriate microbial fertilizer application (MF2 and MF3) enhanced soil bacterial and fungal diversity, enriched beneficial microorganisms (e.g., Acidobacteriota and Candidatus Udaeobacter), improved soil nutrient availability, and increased antioxidant enzyme activity (POD, SOD), while reducing membrane lipid peroxidation (MDA). These effects led to significant improvements in yield traits, such as cotton plant height, number of fruiting branches and bolls, boll weight, and coat weight. The highest microbial fertilizer application level (MF3) resulted in a 54.35% increase in seed yield and a 75.37% increase in lint yield compared to CK. PLS-DA (Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis) and multivariate statistical analyses revealed that microbial fertilizer application fine-tuned soil microbial community composition, emphasizing the dynamic balance of the microbial ecosystem. This study provides scientific support for optimizing microbial fertilizer strategies to enhance the yield and quality of summer-sown short-season cotton and promote sustainable agriculture.

Drivers of cotton yield response to topping in farmers’ fields in Mali

Drivers of cotton yield response to topping in farmers’ fields in Mali

Effect of Fungicide Application in Combination with Different Growth Regulators on Cotton Boll Quality and Yield in the Northwest Inland of China

Cotton yield can be stabilized by regulating the number and weight of bolls through the application of growth regulators. A field experiment was conducted in Xiaya, Xinjiang, from 2021 to 2023. The primary treatment involved a 40% pyraclostrobin suspension (300 mL/ha) combined with different growth regulators: 14-hydroxylated brassinosteroid (150 mL/ha, M1), 0.1% thidiazuron (150 mL/ha, M2), or 8% diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate (150 g/ha, M3). Clear water (M0) was used as the control treatment. This study examined the interaction between year and treatment and analyzed key factors affecting cotton yield. The results indicated a significant interaction effect between chemical treatments and yield across the years. All treatments led to an increase in yield compared with the control, with notable improvements in the number of bolls per unit area, boll weight, leaf area index, and net photosynthesis rate of cotton leaves. From a spatial perspective, the treatments effectively enhanced the number of bolls in the upper part of the plant. A positive correlation was observed between the number of new bolls and seed cotton yield. Among the treatments, the M2 treatment proved to be the most effective, which substantially increased the number of bolls in the upper part of the plant, as well as the total number of bolls per unit area and boll weight, resulting in a significant yield improvement. These findings can guide the development of chemical regulation strategies for cotton production in the Aksu region of Xinjiang, China, providing a valuable reference for enhancing local cotton yield.

Effect of Critical Crop Weed-Competition in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

The field experiment was conducted at College Farm, N. M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari during 2020-21 and 2021-22. Study of critical crop-weed competition in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) under south Gujarat condition. The treatment W6 (Weed free up to harvest) were recorded significantly higher plant height at harvest, number of sympodial branches per plant, seed cotton weight (g/plant), stalk weight at harvest (g/plant) and seed cotton yield (kg/ha) during 2020-21, 2021-22 and in pooled results. But treatment (W6) was statistically at par with the treatments W5 (Weed free up to 75 DAS), W4 (Weed free up to 60 DAS) and W7 (Weedy up to 15 DAS) in both the years and in pooled results. The magnitude of increase in seed cotton yield with weed free up to harvest treatment (W6) over weedy up to harvest treatment (W12) were to the tune of 67.82, 75.90 and 71.87% higher during 2020-21, 2021-22 and in pooled results. Number of monopodial branches per plant was found non-significant results in both the individual years and in pooled results. Significantly minimum total least nutrient depletion (Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) by weed was recorded under the treatment W6 (Weed free up to harvest), value were nitrogen 0.27, 0.23 and 0.25 per cent, phosphorus 0.07, 0.06 and 0.06 per cent, potassium 0.38, 0.32 and 0.35 per cent during both individual years and in pooled results, respectively. But it remained at with the treatments W5, W4 and W7. Whereas, total highest nutrient depletion was recorded under the treatment W12 (Weedy up to harvest), value were nitrogen 13.34, 11.35 and 12.34 per cent, phosphorus 3.01, 2.73 and 2.87 per cent, potassium 14.37, 12.19 and 13.28 per cent during 2020-21, 2021-22 and in pooled results, respectively.

Effects of Different Cover Crops and Cotton Planting Rates on Cotton Production in a No-Till System

Single species cover crops and cover crop mixtures, especially legumes, can protect the soil surface and increase soil organic matter in a no-till system. Cotton producers who focus on soil health are interested in maximizing their economic return by minimizing production cost while maintaining yield. Producers can accomplish this by manipulating cotton seeding rates. From 2017 to 2020 field experiments were run in central Alabama to evaluate the effects of cover crop species (cereal rye [Secale cereale L.], crimson clover [Trifolium incarnatum L.], and cereal rye + crimson clover) and cotton seeding rates (54,116, 108,232, and 180,387 seeds ha-1) on no-till cotton production. During the experiments, biomass for cereal rye and crimson clover was similar (5,540 kg ha-1) but was lower compared to their mixture (6,469 kg ha-1). Seed cotton yield in 2018 and 2020 was similar, averaging 4,597 kg ha-1. In 2019 the yield was substantially reduced to 2,068 kg ha-1 due to severe drought. Profit in 2019 was $1,484 ha-1 compared to higher average profit of $6,209 ha-1 in 2018 and 2020. Yield and profitability were greater using the medium or high seeding rate during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. However, under severe drought conditions (2019 season) the low cotton seeding rate was similar in yield and profitability as the medium and high seeding rates. Overall, yield and profits were influenced by cotton seeding rate and weather and not by cover crop type.

Estimating Cotton Yield Response Surface to Planting and Harvest Dates in Arkansas

Knowledge of anticipated long-run yield penalties over a range of planting and harvest time periods is necessary to formulate whole-farm planning models. Until now, gaps existed for several cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) planting-by-harvest-date combinations. Publicly available data from the Arkansas Cotton Research Verification and Sustainability Program deemed suitable for this research included 169 fields from 19 years and 22 counties. Given several relevant plant and harvest weeks had no observations, a response surface was estimated. Results indicated that planting during weeks 18 to 20 minimized yield penalties, but only when harvested in corresponding best weeks. Likewise, yield penalties can be avoided if harvested during weeks 40 to 43, but only when planted in respective best weeks. Ten planting-by-harvest-week combinations were associated with at least 98% attainable yield. Fields planted and harvested outside these 10 weeks were susceptible to yield penalties. Penalties during weeks adjacent to optimal combinations tended to be minor, usually less than 5% deviations, but more severe further from the top of the response surface. Fields planted during week 22 and harvested in week 42 expected 21% yield penalty. Current Extension recommendations based on heuristics were validated from these estimates. Results are of interest to equipment manufacturers, agricultural engineers developing machinery, agricultural lenders assessing the risk of equipment loans, farmers considering optimal equipment capacity for acreage, and farm management economists estimating whole-farm profitability. Response surface methods are useful to estimate yield penalties for planting and harvest date combinations via field-scale observations.

Identification, Genome Characterization, and Growth Optimization of Paenibacillus Peoriae MHJL1 for Biocontrol and Growth Promotion of Cotton Seedlings

Fusarium and verticillium wilt are the primary diseases affecting cotton plants, significantly reducing both the yield and quality of cotton. Paenibacillus spp. are crucial biocontrol strains for controlling plant diseases. In this study, Paenibacillus peoriae MHJL1, which could prevent the pathogenic fungi of fusarium and verticillium wilt and promote cotton growth, was isolated from the rhizosphere soil of cotton plants. Whole-genome analysis of strain MHJL1 identified 16 gene clusters for secondary metabolite synthesis, including fusaricidins with potent antifungal properties. By optimizing the fermentation process, the cell and spore numbers of MHJL1 were increased to 2.14 × 108 CFU/mL and 8.66 × 108 CFU/mL, respectively. Moreover, the antifungal ability of MHJL1 was also increased by 31.48%. In pot experiments conducted with healthy soil, the control rates for MHJL1 against fusarium and verticillium wilt were found to be 44.83% and 58.27%, respectively; in experiments using continuously cropped soil, the control rates were 55.22% against fusarium wilt and 48.46% against verticillium wilt. Our findings provide valuable insights for the biocontrol application and fermentation of P. peoriae MHJL1, while also contributing a new resource for the development of microbial agents.

Molecular mechanisms of cold stress response in cotton: Transcriptional reprogramming and genetic strategies for tolerance.

Cold stress has a huge impact on the growth and development of cotton, presenting a significant challenge to its productivity. Comprehending the complex molecular mechanisms that control the reaction to CS is necessary for developing tactics to improve cold tolerance in cotton. This review paper explores how cotton responds to cold stress by regulating gene expression, focusing on both activating and repressing specific genes. We investigate the essential roles that transcription factors and regulatory elements have in responding to cold stress and controlling gene expression to counteract the negative impacts of low temperatures. Through a comprehensive examination of new publications, we clarify the intricacies of transcriptional reprogramming induced by cold stress, emphasizing the connections between different regulatory elements and signaling pathways. Additionally, we investigate the consecutive effects of cold stress on cotton yield, highlighting the physiological and developmental disturbances resulting from extended periods of low temperatures. The knowledge obtained from this assessment allows for a more profound comprehension of the molecular mechanisms that regulate cold stress responses, suggesting potential paths for future research to enhance cold tolerance in cotton by utilizing targeted genetic modifications and biotechnological interventions.

Identification of Co-Expression Modules of Cotton Plant Height-Related Genes Based on Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis

Plant height (PH) is a vital agronomic trait that significantly affects cotton yield and facilitates mechanized harvesting. Gaining insights into the genetic regulatory mechanisms governing plant height is fundamental to advancing cotton breeding. In this study, cotton plants were treated with varying concentrations of mepiquat chloride, resulting in significant differences in plant height compared to the control group. Transcriptome data from 18 treated cotton stem tissue samples were analyzed using Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), leading to the identification of 21 gene co-expression modules. Of these, eight modules exhibited positive correlations, while 13 modules showed negative correlations with plant height. A co-expression network comprising 20,409 valid genes was constructed and visualized using Cytoscape 3.9.1. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses indicated that these modules are associated with biologically significant pathways, including oxidoreductase activity, transcriptional regulator activity, catalytic activity, and phosphate hydrolase activity. Further analysis of gene connectivity within these modules identified 10 core genes (Gohir.D03G105600, Gohir.A03G060400, Gohir.A05G333400, Gohir.D09G243300, Gohir.D12G213500, Gohir.A04G065185, Gohir.A04G039105, Gohir.D08G127760, Gohir.A09G103348, and Gohir.A04G039120) and enabled the establishment of a gene interaction regulation network. Functional predictions suggest that these candidate genes may play key roles in the regulation of cotton plant height. This study offers theoretical insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying cotton plant height and provides valuable references for breeding new cotton varieties with optimized plant heights.

A novel hybrid time series deep learning model for forecasting of cotton yield in India

A novel hybrid time series deep learning model for forecasting of cotton yield in India

Reversing anther thermotolerance by manipulating the cis-elements in the promoter of a high-temperature upregulated gene Casein Kinase I in upland cotton.

High temperature (HT) stress causes male sterility, leading to reduced upland cotton yield. Previously, we identified a key gene, Casein Kinase I (GhCKI), that negatively regulates male fertility in upland cotton under HT. However, conventional genetic manipulations of GhCKI would result in male sterility, hindering its utilization in breeding programs. Here, we engineered quantitative variation for anther thermotolerance-related traits in upland cotton by creating weak promoter alleles of GhCKI genes, using CRISPR/Cas9 and CRISPR/Cpf1 genome editing. Then, we screened and identified two new upland cotton plant lines exhibiting a HT-tolerant phenotype with edited GhCKI promoters, and characterized their corresponding heat-tolerant allelic genotypes. Further research revealed that the primary reason for the HT tolerance of the GhCKI promoter editing mutants is that the trans-acting factors GhMYB73 and GhMYB4, which positively regulate GhCKI expression under HT, failed to bind and activate the expression of GhCKI. Overall, our study not only provides a rapid strategy to generate new beneficial alleles but also offers novel germplasm resources and molecular insights for crop HT tolerance breeding.

Comparative Analysis of Yield and Fibre Traits in Newly Developed Bt and Non-Bt Cotton Hybrids

Aims: Cotton is a major fibre crop for textile industry and farmers in the world. Despite its tremendous importance, productivity constraints are still present. To eliminate productivity problem and increase the yield, the present investigation focused on developing new Bt cotton hybrids with better yield and fibre characteristics through estimation of heterosis in different combination of Bt and Non Bt parents. Study Design: Randomized block design with three replication was used to conduct the experiment. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at Cotton Research Unit, Dr. PDKV, Akola, Maharashtra, during Kharif 2019 & 2020. Methodology: The five diverse parents were crossed with one another as making four crosses of Bt x Bt parents and four crosses of Non-Bt x Bt parents. Eight F1 hybrids then were evaluated for heterosis performance for different morphological, yield, yield contributing traits and fibre traits with standard checks i.e. PDKV JKAL 116 and Ajeet 155 in Kharif 2020. Results: Results showed that for seed cotton yield (kg/ha), the cross AKH 09-5 × ICAR-CICR Rajat Bt recorded highest 12.30% standard heterosis over the check PDKV JKAL 116. Significant standard heterosis of 35.83% and 34.36% was observed for no. of bolls per plant over both the checks. While the cross ICAR-CICR 081 Bt × ICAR-CICR Rajat Bt was found to be most heterotic for fibre parameters. Conclusion: It was found that the Non-Bt × Bt crosses performed better for yield and its contributing trait than Bt × Bt crosses, while Bt × Bt crosses did gave good results for fibre quality parameters. Understanding the genetics behind, can be beneficial for the farming community.

Tolerance of Cotton to Herbicide-Coated Fertilizers

Abstract Cotton producers need residual herbicides that can safely and practically be applied postemergence (POST). Herbicide-coated fertilizers could allow for simultaneous application of residual herbicides and a bulk fertilizer blend. Therefore, a study was conducted in 2022 and 2023 in Fayetteville, AR, to evaluate cotton tolerance to 12 herbicide treatments coated onto a fertilizer blend and applied over cotton. Herbicides and rates evaluated included: diuron at 840 g ai ha-1, florpyrauxifen-benzyl at 29 g ai ha-1, flumioxazin at 105 g ai ha-1, flumioxazin plus pyroxasulfone at 70 + 90 g ai ha-1, fluridone at 168 g ai ha-1, fluometuron at 840 g ai ha-1, fomesafen at 280 g ai ha-1, pyroxasulfone at 128 g ai ha-1, saflufenacil at 66 g ai ha-1, saflufenacil plus dimethenamid-P at 25 + 219 g ai ha-1, saflufenacil plus pyroxasulfone at 44 + 91 g ai ha-1, and S-metolachlor at 1388 g ai ha-1. In both years, fluridone, fluometuron, diuron, and S-metolachlor caused less than 10% injury at 7 d after treatment (DAT). Higher injury levels were observed in 2022 (19 to 30%) compared to 2023 (4 to 12%) for flumioxazin, fomesafen, saflufenacil, saflufenacil plus dimethenamid-P, and saflufenacil plus pyroxasulfone. The elevated injury in one of two years was attributed to the presence of dew when the herbicide-coated fertilizer was applied. The initial injury was transient, as the cotton generally had recovered by 28 DAT for all herbicides. No differences in seed cotton yield or groundcover among the herbicide treatments occurred either year. These results highlight the potential of using several POST-applied, residual herbicides coated on fertilizer that are not currently registered for over-the-top use in cotton.

Interspecific Hybridization between Gossypium hirsutum (American Cotton) and Gossypium barbadense (Egyptian Cotton) for Quality Improvement

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is a globally important cash crop, valued for its fiber and economic contributions to the textile industry. This study investigated the variability, heritability, and genetic advance of yield-related traits in interspecific hybrids of American (G. hirsutum) and Egyptian (G. barbadense) cotton. Using a randomized complete block design, 28 hybrids were evaluated for traits such as seed cotton yield, plant height, bolls per plant, and boll weight. Significant genetic variability was observed among hybrids, with high heritability estimates for seed cotton yield (96.84%), plant height (93.51%), and bolls per plant (76.44%), coupled with moderate genetic advance, suggesting additive gene action. Regression analysis revealed that the number of bolls emasculated and pollinated significantly influenced total seed production, with coefficients of determination (R²) of 0.5924 and 0.5102, respectively. The hybrid JA-08/A × JA-12/203 demonstrated superior crossability (100%) and seed production, making it a promising candidate for breeding programs. These findings emphasize the potential for exploiting genetic variability and hybrid vigor to develop high-yielding and high-quality cotton varieties.

Exploring interactive effect of nitrogen and zinc for enhancing cotton productivity in arid climate

Nutrients imbalance particularly nitrogen (N) and zinc (Zn) is a major constraint for sustainable cotton production. Thus, we hypothesized that the combined application of N and Zn may increase N and Zn availability and enhance cotton productivity due to the synergistic effect between these nutrients. Therefore, the present field study was carried out for two consecutive years to explore the interactive effects of different N rates (N0 = 0, N1 = 120, N2 = 160, and N3 = 200 kg ha−1) and Zn rates (Zn0 = 0, Zn1 = 5 and Zn2 = 10 kg ha−1) on soil available N and Zn, and growth and yield traits of the cotton crop. The results indicated a linear increase in the soil available N and Zn and all the studied traits of the cotton crop with the progressive increase in N and Zn rates until 160 kg ha−1 N and 10 kg ha−1 Zn. The cotton crop showed the maximum seed cotton yield (3337–3368 kg ha−1) and total dry matter (9916–9988 kg ha−1) with the simultaneous application of 160 kg ha−1 N and 10 kg ha−1 Zn, which was attributed to higher growth, morphophysiological and yield traits in this treatment during both years. The findings of the study suggest that the application of 160 kg ha−1 N in combination with 10 kg ha−1 Zn is the best fertilizer management for increasing N and Zn availability and achieving higher seed cotton yield of cotton crop.

The role of mineral and organic fertilisers in reducing the toxicity of salts and increasing the cotton yield in saline soils of Southern Tajikistan

The role of mineral and organic fertilisers in reducing the toxicity of salts and increasing the cotton yield in saline soils of Southern Tajikistan

Optimizing Phosphatic Fertilizer Drip Timing to Improve Cotton Yield in Saline–Alkali Soil and Mitigate Phosphorus–Calcium Binding Risks

To improve cotton yield in salinized arid fields, excess salt is removed and phosphorus content is increased. Adjusting phosphate fertilizer timing with water and fertilizer reduces phosphorus binding with calcium ions. Salt removal precedes phosphate application, enhancing soil phosphorus availability and promoting better growth. However, the optimal time for delaying phosphate fertilizer drip irrigation remains unclear. Therefore, this study evaluated the total salt, soil available phosphorus, and cotton yield under the condition of delayed phosphate fertilizer application. We conducted a field experiment using a completely randomized design to adjust the timing of phosphatic fertilizer application and apply the same amount of pure phosphorus. Specifically, “t” was defined as the total duration of one irrigation cycle, and the starting points for phosphorus application were as follows: T1, 1 h; T2, 1 h + 1/3 t h; T3, 1 h + 2/3 t h; CK, 1/3 t h. These values represent the duration of salt leaching through irrigation in each treatment. Phosphate fertilizer was applied to the soil after salt washing was complete. The results revealed that the T2 treatment exhibited the highest SPAD value (64.53), which was 11.46% and 15.48% higher than that of the T1 and T3 treatments. The 0–20 and 20–40 cm soil layers under the T2 treatment had the highest pH values of 9.12 and 9.37, representing increases of 1.93%, 1.21%, 4.50%, and 1.38% compared with T1 and T3 treatments, respectively (p < 0.05). At the bud stage, the Olsen-P in the T2 treatment was 82.86% and 26.53% higher than that in the T1 and T3 treatments, respectively (p < 0.05). The T2 treatment achieved the highest yield of 6492.09 kg/hm2, which was 31.47%, 31.53%, and 2.77% higher than that of T1, T3, and CK. Overall, the T2 treatment increased cotton yield and reduced the adsorption of calcium ions to available phosphorus in salinized soil. This study provides an effective technical approach for the sustainable development of salinized cotton fields in Xinjiang.

Estimation Model for Cotton Canopy Structure Parameters Based on Spectral Vegetation Index.

The spectral vegetation indices derived from remote sensing data provide a detailed spectral analysis for assessing vegetation characteristics. This study investigated the relationship between cotton yield and canopy spectral indices to develop yield estimation models. Spectral reflectance data were collected at various growth stages using an ASD FieldSpec Pro VNIR 2500 spectrometer. Six prediction models were developed using spectral vegetation indices, including the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Ratio Vegetation Index (RVI), to estimate the Leaf Area Index (LAI) and above-ground biomass. For LAI estimation using the NDVI, the power function model (y = 10.083x11.298) demonstrated higher precision, with a multiple correlation coefficient of R2 = 0.8184 and the smallest root mean square error (RMSE = 0.3613). These results confirm the strong predictive capacity of NDVI for LAI, with the power function model offering the best estimation accuracy. In estimating above-ground biomass using RVI, the power function model of y = 6.5218x1.33917 achieved the higher correlation (R2 = 0.8851) for fresh biomass with an RMSE of 0.1033, making it the most accurate. For dry biomass, the exponential function model (y = 9.1565 × 10-5∙exp(1.1146x)) was the most precise, achieving an R2 value of 0.8456 and the lowest RMSE value of 0.0076. These findings highlight the potential of spectral remote sensing for accurately predicting cotton canopy structural parameters and biomass weights. By integrating spectral analysis techniques with remote sensing, this research offers valuable insights for precision cotton planting and field management, enabling optimized agricultural practices and enhanced vegetation health monitoring.

Genetic analysis of F1 and F2 generations for early mature, yield and fibre traits in upland cotton (Gosypium hirsutum L.)

Genetic analysis of F1 and F2 generations for early mature, yield and fibre traits in upland cotton (Gosypium hirsutum L.)