Twin-row planting for soybean and maize has proliferated in Mid-South production systems during the past decade. Knowledge of cotton production with twin-row planting is limited. The objective of this research was to determine how cotton leaf-type isolines (varying in size and the degree of lobing) performed in both twin-row and single-row planting patterns. Field studies were conducted in 2011 and 2012. Four genotypes (MD 65-11 normal, MD 65-11 okra, MD 65-11 super okra, and ST 4554B2RF) were grown in both twin-row and single-row planting patterns. Dry matter partitioning, leaf area index, light interception, nodes above white bloom, lint yield, and fiber quality data were collected. The response to twin-row planting when compared to single-row planting was consistent across all the cotton genotypes evaluated in this study. Twin-row canopies produced a greater early season leaf area index that intercepted more sunlight than the single-row pattern, but these differences diminished as the season progressed. Twin-row plots reached cutout approximately two days earlier than the single-row plots. Despite increased early season leaf area production and sunlight interception, no differences between planting patterns were detected for lint yield, the yield components, or fiber quality traits. Convenience of using a standard planting configuration across multiple crops may be the only justification for twin-row planting in cotton because neither lint yield nor fiber quality were impacted.
