Yield potential and fibre properties of long staple cotton as influenced by genotype, fertility, and moisture condition in a semi-arid climate. (11)

Abstract

A field study was conducted to determine the yield potential of three promising lines of long staple cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.) and the effect of environment (soil moisture and fertility) on the fibre properties of these lines. The cotton lines were planted on three different dates, depicting three different soil moisture scenarios. Five fertilizer (N:P:K) levels (0:0:0, 30:13:13, 60:26:26, 90:39:39, and 120:52:52) and three lines [Pima S2, Giza 45, and Bar 14/25(79)24], were arranged in a split-plot design with cotton lines assigned to the main plot and fertilizer levels to the sub-plots. Boll weight, seed cotton yield, and seed and lint yields were significantly influenced by soil moisture conditions. Fibre length, fineness, and fibre strength increased with increase in soil moisture conditions. Soil fertility levels had no impact on seed cotton and lint yields and on fibre properties except for fineness. Genotype Giza 45 had the finest fibre and a moderate fibre length.