Differences in Rates of Leaf Emergence, and Early Leaf and Root Growth Among Diverse Cotton Genotypes

Vigorous early-season growth is highly desirable to ensure establishment of a healthy cotton stand.  Rapid growth after seed reserves have been exhausted could provide significant advantages to young cotton plants relative to weeds, diseases, and insects.  The objectives of this study were to evaluate rates of leaf emergence and of leaf area, and root dry matter production among cotton genotypes. Genotypes were evaluated under greenhouse and field conditions.  Genotypes differed significantly for total leaf area, as well as leaf areas and dry weights of cotyledons, first, second, and third leaves, and for shoot and root biomass.