Sure, here’s an article on Cotton TNAU foliar application information:
Cotton is one of the most important cash crops in the world. It is grown for its fiber, cottonseed oil, and various other products. In India, cotton is a major crop and it is grown in many states. Tamil Nadu is one of the major cotton-growing states in India where cotton is grown under rain-fed and irrigated conditions. However, the cotton crop in Tamil Nadu faces various challenges such as pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
To overcome these challenges and improve the yield and quality of cotton, foliar application is widely recommended. Foliar application is the process of spraying liquid fertilizers, pesticides, and other nutrients on the leaves of the plant. This is an effective way to provide essential nutrients to the cotton plant and control pests and diseases.
Foliar application is done at different growth stages of cotton plant. In Tamil Nadu, the following foliar application schedule is recommended by Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU):
– First spray: 45-50 days after sowing
– Second spray: 60 days after sowing
– Third spray: 75-90 days after sowing
The following foliar nutrients are recommended for cotton crop in Tamil Nadu:
– Urea (1.5%): Urea is a good source of nitrogen which is important for vegetative growth and early flowering of the plant.
– Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) (1.5%): DAP is a good source of phosphorus which is important for root development and flower bud differentiation.
– Muriate of Potash (MOP) (1%): MOP is a good source of potassium which is important for flower and boll development and fiber quality improvement.
– Zinc sulfate (0.5%): Zinc is essential for flower and fruit development and also improves the resistance of the plant against diseases.
In addition to these nutrients, micronutrients such as boron, manganese, and magnesium can also be added to the foliar spray based on soil test results and crop status.
It is important to note that foliar application should not replace the traditional soil application of fertilizers. Soil application is still important for supplying the major nutrients to the plant. Foliar application should be used as a supplement to soil application to meet the extra demand of the plant during critical growth stages.
In conclusion, foliar application is an effective way to provide essential nutrients to the cotton plant and control pests and diseases. The recommended foliar application schedule and nutrients for cotton crop in Tamil Nadu can help farmers to improve the yield and quality of cotton and achieve higher profits.