To Stress or Not to Stress - Irrigating Cotton for Maximum Yield

S.R. Johnson, T.A. Kerby, and D.W. Grimes


 
ABSTRACT

The philosophy many have followed throughout California's San Joaquin Valley over the years has been to "stress" cotton prior to the first irrigation. It is our contention that growers may be stressing fields more than is desirable for maximum plant productivity. This hypothesis has been evaluated over the last three years on four major varieties grown in the valley. During the 1988 season, variable rates and timing of PIX were also included to determine the interaction of PIX by irrigation strategy. The affect of irrigation, variety and PIX on plant growth and development was determined.

Results from the first two years indicate that the newer, more determinate Verticillium wilt tolerant varieties have a narrower optimum irrigation range. However, this narrow range can be used to optimally irrigate all varieties grown in the San Joaquin Valley. A significant PIX response occurred under the wet irrigation regime with the taller, more indeterminate variety.



Reprinted from Proceedings: 1989 Beltwide Cotton Research Conferences pp. 525 - 527
©National Cotton Council, Memphis TN

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Document last modified Sunday, Dec 6 1998