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Influence of Row Width and Population Density on Yield and Fiber Characteristics of Cotton¹

A critical need to evaluate methods to reduce production costs of Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) to help maintain, its. competitive market position, prompted experiments designed to evaluate the influence of row width and plant population on yield and fiber properties. Upland cotton was grown in 25.4-, 50.8-, 76.2-, and 101.6-cm-spaced rows with population levels of 128,000 (low) and 256,000 (high) plants/ha at three locations in Georgia. Significant differences in yield due to test location and to row width were found, but differences in plant populations did not affect yield.

Seeding with a modified grain drill produced 88% of the plants desired at the low population level and 82% at the high population level, but left much to be desired in uniformity of seed distribution, placement, and coverage.

We found no difference in lint percentage and seed size except that due to location. Boll size was affected by plant population and location but not by row width. The only fiber characteristic affected by row width was fiber fineness. Earliness was influenced only by location. Significant interactions of row width x location were found for yield, number of plants, lint percentage, and fineness. The population x location interaction was significant for boll size and number of plants. The second order interaction of population x row width x location was significant for boll size. Results relative to yield were encouraging and indicated that the narrow-row, high-population system might provide partial solutions to some production problems.

Key Words: Boll size • Seed size • Lint percentage • Gossypium hirsutum L.

² Research Agronomists, PSRD, ARS, USDA, Georgia Station, Experiment, Ga. 30212.

Received for publication April 24, 1972.