Effects of Exogenously Applied Indole-3-Acetic Acid to Cotton Species

Understanding the biological properties of cotton fiber is critical to developing and improving fiber quality.  Cotton fibers are elongated epidermal cells initiated on seed ovules.  Hormones, especially the auxin, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) play vital roles in fiber development. Previous research has shown applications of IAA directly on the developing boll in greenhouse cotton can substantially increase fiber initials. Research on applying IAA exogenously in a field setting has been limited.  Objectives of this study were to observe effects of IAA on cotton fiber properties and yield components.  Interactions among application timings, application rates, and particular placements of IAA and on multiple genotypes were evaluated.