Effect of row spacing on the yield of cotton cultivars

Abstract

Modern cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars with herbicide resistance have rejuvenated an interest in narrow row cotton production, primarily because of the reduction of weed control problems encountered in the past with narrow row systems. While the primary goal of narrow row cotton is to reduce production costs, an agronomic and physiological evaluation of this cropping system is also needed. The objectives of this study were to determine the feasibility of using modern cotton cultivars in narrow rows (30 cm) for cotton production in the Gonabad and to assess the effect of these various systems on cotton growth, lint yield, and fiber quality. Plant height, sympodia and total bolls per plant were reduced in cotton grown in narrow row spacing. In most cases, cotton grown in narrow rows had lint yields equal to or higher than those attained in the 70 cm spacing. modern cultivars in narrow row cotton production did not improve lint yield. No conclusions could be made regarding the impact of plant stature on lint yield. Row spacing had little impact on fiber quality narrow row cotton appeared to be a viable agronomic cotton production practice for the Gonabad compared with conventionally - grown cotton based upon lint yield and fiber quality.