The Asiatic diploid, Gossypium arboreum L., faced challenges in adoption due to its long duration, poor productivity, and inferior fiber quality. However, in recent decades, new genotypes were developed with medium duration and better fiber quality. To enhance the yield of these contemporary genotypes, agronomic interventions, such as selecting suitable soil-site combinations, choosing appropriate cultivars, and optimizing planting times and plant densities are required. This field experiment was conducted to evaluate the productivity potential of contemporary G. arboreum genotypes under rainfed conditions on two dominant soil types: Vertisol and Vertic Inceptisol. The study involved seven G. arboreum genotypes (DLSa-17, PA-528, PA-402, PA-812, PA-760, CNA-1041, and Phule Dhanwantary) planted across two plant densities (normal density: 55,555 plants/ha and high density: 111,111 plants/ha) on two sowing dates (timely: with onset of monsoon and late: 14 days delay). Analysis of pooled data (over years) indicated that planting date and plant density significantly influenced various parameters such as boll density, seed cotton yield, plant height, and days to first flower. The seed cotton yield of G. arboreum cotton was 2,516 kg/ha on Vertic Inceptisol compared to 2,151 kg/ha on Vertisol. A delay in sowing by 14 days significantly reduced seed cotton yield on Vertic Inceptisol and Vertisol. Planting in a high-density system provided a yield advantage over normal density. Genotype PA-812 had the highest fiber length, whereas Phule Dhanwantary was short stapled with coarse fiber. The study emphasizes the need for tailored agronomic practices based on both environmental conditions and genotype characteristics.
