Effects of Foliar Fertilizer and Mepiquat Pentaborate on Early Planted Cotton Growth and Lint Production
2010
Pettigrew, William T.
Many growth regulators and foliar fertilizers are marketed for use in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) with varying effectiveness in improving yield. This research addressed these products' effectiveness in a cotton early-planting production system with its higher yield potential. Mepiquat pentaborate (115 g/ha) and a mixed fertilizer solution (3.36 kg N/ha, 2.79 kg K/ha, 0.17 kg B/ha) were foliar applied to cotton during early reproductive growth in 2005 and 2006 at Stoneville, MS. Leaf area index, light interception, chlorophyll concentration, and flowering rates were quantified during the growing season. Lint yield, yield components, and fiber quality were assessed at the end of each season. No interactions were detected between the mepiquat or foliar fertilizer treatments. Other than a slightly larger boll mass due to more seeds per boll, the foliar fertilizer did not impact any of the parameters measured. Mepiquat reduced height 13% and light interception by 9%, but increased leaf chlorophyll concentration by 10%. Mepiquat increases lint yield 9% in 2005, because 9% more bolls were produced, but not in 2006. Soil applied fertilizer appears sufficient for the cotton nutrition on most Mississippi Delta soils. Although a yield response to mepiquat pentaborate was observed in 2005, its inconsistency indicates that the yield response may not be reliable or probable.
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