Growers now have planters available to them which are capable of precisely planting a specified number of seed per foot of row down the drill. The widespread availability of such planters and the knowledge that cotton his an optimum plant population for maximum yield potential, has resulted in farmers being more aware of the quality of their planting seed.

This awareness of the importance of seed quality has prompted growers to look beyond the standard germination test for information about the quality of the seed available to them. There are several tests available which will provide an indication of the vigor of cotton seed.

The one most commonly used now is routinely called the "cotton cool test". This test is conducted at a temperature near the lower physiological limit where germination of cotton will occur. The results of this Lest may be used as an indicator of how a lot of seed way perform under cool, wet field conditions. Seed which germinate 50% or better in this test are considered acceptable quality seed for planting purposes. Results of the test may be used to adjust seeding rates and/or determine in what part of the planting season should a particular lot be planted.