ABSTRACT

Adjustments of row configurations and in-row plant densities have the potential to alter yield and fiber quality. The effects of two row configurations (single and double rows) and three in-row plant densities on yield distribution and fiber properties were evaluated in Corpus Christi, Texas in 2000 and 2001. Plants were irrigated in 2000 but not in 2001. In 2000, lint yields were about twice the yields in 2001. Fruiting position 1 bolls from nodes 7 and below accounted for from 51 to 65% of the seedcotton yield in 2000 and from 65 to 84% of the seedcotton yield in 2001. In 2001 yield distribution differences were related to in-row plant densities. Fiber from single row 11 plants m^-1 cotton was longer than fiber from double row 32 plants m^-1 cotton at all fruiting position 1 node locations in 2000. Similarly, fiber from single row 7 plants m^-1 cotton was longer than fiber from double row 16 plants m^-1 cotton at fruiting position 1 nodes 6 and below (2001). Fiber micronafis, an analogue of micronaire was similar for all treatments at fruiting position 1 nodes 8 and below. Changes in micronaire values related to plant density increases may only occur under environmental conditions in which a normal plant density produces plants with disperse yield patterns with less than 50% of the yield concentrated in fruiting position 1 node 7 and below.