Use of Pix in low dose sequential applications has shown promise in growing areas where rainfall is unpredictable. Initial studies in California in 1987 indicated multiple applications of low doses may also be beneficial. Eleven replicated tests were conducted in 1988 throughout California to determine if this was a superior alternative to single early bloom applications of 0.5 pts/A. Averaged over 13 California tests conducted during 1987 and 1988, use of Pix increased lint yields an average of 59 kg ha^-1, reduced plant height an average of 0.13 m (11%), reduced the number of fruiting branches by 0.9, and reduced main stem nodes by 1.8, but had a minimal impact on earliness. The single application of 0.5 pts/A at early bloom was not significantly different from multiple applications of Pix for any of these variables.

Although it is too early to draw conclusions, our results suggest Pix response was greatest under high yield conditions, and under narrow-row plantings. Multiple applications had a slight yield advantage under 0.76 m row spacings while the 0.5 pt/A treatment was superior under normal row spacings. Earliness and plant map data were only taken in 1988 trials. Application of Pix did not increase early boll set as had been the case in earlier studies. This may be due to year effects or possibly sampling errors. Additional testing will be necessary to determine best application methods in California.