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LOGO: Journal of Cotton Science

 

6-Benzyladenine Enhancements of Cotton Yields

Authors: John J. Burke
Pages: 245-252
Agronomy and Soils

A recent greenhouse study suggested that cytokinin applied to young cotton seedlings may enhance overall performance and yield, especially in water-limited environments. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a commercial formulation of cytokinin (6-benzyladenine) applied foliarly during the early stages of seedling development on Deltapine 444 BG/RR yields under water-deficit conditions. Field studies in 2005, 2006, and 2008 compared untreated controls with 6-benzyladenine treated seedlings at the cotyledon to two-leaf stage. Greenhouse studies determined that a range of concentrations up to 300 µmol/mol 6-benzyladenine enhanced rooting, hypocotyl thickness, and seedling growth at this developmental stage. Concentrations of 400 to 1000 µmol/mol resulted in stunting of the seedlings and phytotoxic lesions on the cotyledon surfaces at the higher concentrations. In the field, seedlings treated with 6-benzyladenine within two-weeks after planting exhibited increased hypocotyl diameters, increased lateral root proliferation, and a breaking of apical meristem dormancy. Increased cotton yields were observed in 2005 and 2008 compared with untreated controls. No yield enhancement was seen in 2006 possibly because of the severity of the drought experienced. This study showed that application of 6-benzyladenine to cotton early in development has the potential to increase yields and reduce water stress in cotton.