Effects of Handling of Cotton Seed on Stand Establishment and Crop Yield

We subjected two lots each of commercial varieties DP 1646 B2XF and PHY 480 W3FE to 1) physical dropping, 2) high temperatures. and 3) non-treated control. For each variety, a seed lot from 2019 and 2020 was included. Seed was weighed (1 lb) and placed in ziplock bags. Physical dropping involved dropping the seed bags four time onto a gravel drive from a height of 7 feet. The high temperature treatment simulated what might occur in the bed of a pickup truck. Seed was placed on a black rubber truck mat for 6 hours. Temperature on the  surface of the mat reached 140F, while the highest measured temperature of the seed was 146F. Seed were planted at Auburn University research sites in Prattville, Brewton, and Belle Mina, AL. In terms of main effects, PHY 480 W3FE had greater plant stands and seedling vigor than DP 1646 B2XF. Physical treatment had no significant (main) effect on stand counts or vigor. Stand counts and vigor were greater for the 2019 lot of DP 1646 B2XF compared to the 2020 lot; the reverse was true for PHY 480 W3FE. Among the locations, stand counts were least at Prattville. Yields are forthcoming.