Cotton is a significant crop that numerous nations depend on for financial development and foreign exchange earnings. It is critical to control flower and fruit dropping in cotton since it affects the crop’s yield and quality. In this article, we will discuss the information regarding the control of flower and fruit dropping in cotton.
Before delving into how to control flower and fruit dropping in cotton, it is necessary to understand why this phenomenon occurs. The primary reason for flower and fruit dropping in cotton is unfavorable environmental conditions such as water stress, extreme temperatures, nutrient deficiencies, and insect infestation. Other reasons include improper pollination, genetic makeup of the plant, and hormonal imbalances.
Now let’s discuss the measures you can take to control flower and fruit dropping in cotton. Adequate irrigation and appropriate nutrient management are the two most critical factors to ensure successful pollination, fruit set, and retention of flowers and fruits in cotton plants. Therefore, it is vital to maintain soil moisture through proper irrigation practices and ensure proper fertilization with macro and micronutrients.
Moreover, cotton is sensitive to high temperatures and is prone to shedding. To minimize the effects of high temperatures on cotton plants, you can apply shading materials or planting cotton in the shade of other crops.
Insects and pests can also cause flower and fruit dropping in cotton plants. For example, budworm and bollworm can damage cotton flowers and fruits, leading to their premature shedding. Therefore, controlling insect pests through spraying of insecticides and planting pest-resistant varieties can help prevent flower and fruit dropping.
Finally, hormonal regulation is another method to control flower and fruit dropping. Applying plant growth regulators such as growth retardants or auxins can assist in reducing flower and fruit shedding in cotton. For instance, Ethephon is a growth regulator that can stimulate boll opening in cotton and increase cotton yield.
In conclusion, controlling flower and fruit dropping in cotton is crucial for attaining maximum yield and good quality. Farmers must consider environmental factors, proper irrigation and nutrient management, and controlling pests and insects for successful pollination. Moreover, applying growth regulators can significantly reduce the occurrence of plant shedding, resulting in bountiful cotton harvests.