Effect of Planting Date On Cotton Growth, Yield, and Fiber Quality

Maximizing lint yield is dependent on picking a variety that is adapted to the growing environment and planting when soil temperature is optimal. Therefore, a field study was conducted at the West Tennessee Research and Education Center to investigate variety by planting date interactions. Six newly released cultivars were planted in four row plots on four plant dates. Plant parameters recorded throughout the growing season included plant height, total number of nodes, node of first fruiting branch, node of uppermost cracked boll, and node of highest harvestable boll. Lint percent, lint yield, and fiber quality were also taken after harvest. Results showed delaying planting can decrease overall plant height, number of nodes, and lint percentage in all the cultivars. Lint yields tended to decrease with later plantings; concluding that planting in early-mid June can dramatically reduce yields. Therefore this data suggests a late April to early May planting is more ideal for these cultivars.