Several experiments involving growth enhancement products (BM86, Stance, Aminofol Maximize) were evaluated on low desert cotton during 2005-2006 as well as mepiquat chloride chemistry. Single and occasional second applications of certain products were made to commercial fields of cotton near Ripley, California, utilizing a randomized complete block design and 4-8 replications, with plots being 8-12 rows wide x field length. Data were collected on plant heights, retention percentages, lint yields, and quality, and economics for each treatment were calculated.

BM86 was evaluated in both 2005-2006, although on differing varieties. Highest seed cotton yields in both years were obtained from two applications of BM86, with lint yields from DPL 164B2RF cotton being increased by 258 lbs./acre, and increase in value of $158/acre. All treatments involving BM86 increased yields and value with the exception of two applications of BM86 with the addition of mepiquat chloride. As a single application had positive results and differing mixing sequences were involved, it is speculated that mixing sequence may have resulted in some antagonism.

Stance (2, 3 oz./acre) and mepiquat chloride were also evaluated in 2006 on DPL 164B2RF. Mepiquat chloride treatments in both fields resulted in shorter plants initially than untreated cotton, but single application mepiquat chloride treated plants were soon taller than untreated cotton. Usage of 2 oz./acre Stance provided greater lint yields than did 3 oz./acre of this product or mepiquat chloride alone. Stance treated cotton had noticeably more boll carpels remaining on plants after picking than noted on untreated cotton, and also had higher percentage of lint turnout.