Paper Details

PJB-2025-64

Evaluation of different genotypes of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L) under multi-environment and multi sowing time for stability of fiber quality and production; a comprehensive two-year study

Sultan Ahmed, Muhammad Shahid, Amjad Sultan, Muhammad Rashid and Muhammad Saleem Kubar
Abstract

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The production of cotton is delayed by the global differences in environmental conditions. A two-year field study was conducted in 2021 and 2022 at experimental fields in Baluchistan and Sindh investigated the impact of two sowing dates on yield and quality indicators within three cotton genotypes. A split plot within a randomized complete block design was established three replications, with the main plots assigned into two sowing dates (March 30^th and April 30^th in both years) and three genotypes: CRIS-510, CRIS-543, and CRIS-585 were designated in subplots. The analysis showed that delayed planting led to enhanced vegetative growth but failed to boost lint percentage and overall yield. In contrast, earlier planting facilitated flowering and boll development under lower temperatures. Genotypes CRIS-543 and CRIS-585 exhibited the highest plant height, bolls per plant, boll weight, and cotton seed yield per hectare, along with superior lint percentage (ginning out turn), fiber length, micronaire value, and fiber strength when sown on April 30^th compared to March 30^th at the experimental site in Baluchistan relative to Sindh. The findings revealed that overall genotype of CRIS-543 significantly performed better than CRIS-510 and CRIS-585 in term of cotton yield and fiber quality in Baluchistan, particularly when sown on April 30^th. However, sowing before or after March 30^th resulted in lower performance, possible due to a shorter and less favorable growth period. Optimal sowing time around April 30^th allowed genotype CRIS-543 to fully utilize the growing season, and resulted in higher yield and better fiber quality. These results emphasize the importance of genotypes selection and accurate sowing time for maximizing the cotton production. This research has broader implication for cotton production in Pakistan, as it provides region specific recommendation that can help farmers in Baluchistan and Sindh to improve yield and fiber quality, contributing to sustainability and profitability of the national cotton sector

To Cite this article: Ahmed, S., M. Shahid, A. Sultan, M. Rashid and M.S. Kubar. 2025. Evaluation of different genotypes of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L) under multi-environment and multi sowing time for stability of fiber quality and production; a comprehensive two-year study. Pak. J. Bot., 58(2): DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.30848/PJB2026-2(23)  
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