EFFECT ON COTTON GROWTH AND QUALITY UNDER DIFFERENT CLIMATIC CONDITIONS OF PAKISTAN

Among numerous factors that contribute to a successful cotton crop, management decisions regarding variety selection and planting date can have a profound effect on the development and final outcome of the crop. The experiment was conducted at Barani Agricultural Research Institute, Chakwal to assess the effect of sowing date on 17 cotton genotypes grown on 20th April, 10th May and 30th May through 2011 to 2013 (three years) using RCBD factorial design. The result showed that early sown crop gave highest response to almost all parameters including plant growth, yield and yield components and fiber quality. A decreasing trend with delayed plantation was observed in almost all parameters studied. Significantly higher seed cotton yield was recorded in 20th April (2496kg/ha) and 10th May (2489kg/ha) when compared with late sown of 30th May crop (1396kg/ha). Seed cotton yield, bolls/plant significantly declined with later planting dates and significantly varied among genotypes within each planting date. The fiber quality and seed cotton yield improved in Chakwal (Pothowar) mild climate than the hot climate of Multan.