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Response of an F₁ Interspecific (Gossypium Hirsutum L. x G. Barbadense L.) Cotton Hybrid to Plant Density in Narrow Rows¹

The production of cotton hybrids and the narrow-row high plant population cultural system are two approaches to counteract increasing costs of cotton production. We conducted research during the 1979 and 1980 seasons to evaluate the yield response of an adapted high yielding prototype interspecific cotton hybrid (NX-1) to three plant densities 40,000, 80,000 and 120,000 plants/ha) in 68-cm rows. A fertile isoline (B.line) the higher yielding parent and ‘Acala 1517-75’ were included as checks. Field treatments were distributed in a split-plot arrangement with four replications on a soil classified primarily as a fine, montmorillinitic, thermic typic torrert. NX-1 and the Bline commenced blooming 9 days earlier than Acala 1517-75. Cumulative flower production curves for the first 3 weeks of blooming showed NX-1 and the B-line were significantly superior in blooming rate to Acala 1517-75. Flower production also increased with increasing plant density. Independently of year or plant density, lint yields of the hybrid were significantly superior to those of the check genotypes. On the average, NX-1 yielded 41 and 56% more lint than the B-line and Acala 1517-75, respectively. The highest yield was obtained with 120 000 plants/ha and the lowest with 40 000 plants/ha. The genotype x plant density and year x plant density interactions were not significant. The maximum yield potential of this hybrid was not necessarily obtained with 120 000 plants/ha. Boll traits and fiber properties were not influenced by plant densities. Compared to the checks, NX-1 is characterized by smaller bolls with fewer seeds, lower lint percentage, and by a higher seed index. NX-1 fiber is equal to that of Acala 1517-75 in fineness, but is longer and stronger.

Key Words: Heterosis • Early maturity • Hybrid vigor

² Former graduate student and professor, respectively, Crop and Soil Sciences Dep., New Mexico State Univ., Las Cruces, NM 88003.

Received for publication January 17, 1983.