Evaluating the performance of short statured cotton genotypes under various plant densities

Extensive research has demonstrated that proper planting density is the most critical factor for establishing an optimal canopy structure depending on the specific cotton variety. A research was done at Cotton Research Institute (CRI) in Zimbabwe where the aim was to evaluate the performance of Turkish cotton genotypes against local genotypes under various densities from a period between 2018 to 2021season. Based on the finding, there were highly significant differences (P<.001) on seed cotton yield. At a plant density of 44444 plants ha-1, CRIMS3 had highest seed cotton yield of 2233 kg ha-1. At a density of 74000 plants ha-1 May 505 had a highest yield of 2163 kg ha-1 . On boll mass, CRI MS1 and CRIMS3 had comparable results with heavier bolls (6.159g and 6.093g) respectively, however Turkish varieties had less boll weights with average mass of (5.051g and 4.967g) respectively. On the number of bolls, plant density of 33333 plants ha-1 had highest number of bolls with 11 and the least number of bolls was on plant density of 74000 plants ha-1 however with less bolls (6 bolls). Taller plants were also observed on CRIMS1 and CRIMS3 whereas Turkish varieties had shorter plants. According to the findings, CRIMS3 and CRIMS1 had the highest seed cotton yield at a plant density of 44 444 plants ha-1 whereas May505 and May344 had the highest yields at a plant density of 74000 plants ha-1. Turkish genotypes performed well at a plant density of 74000 plants ha-1.