Response of hybrid cotton to different plant growth regulators under irrigated conditions

Abstract:

How do plant growth regulators reshape the productivity of hybrid cotton under irrigated systems? This research was carried out during Kharif 2023 at Universidad Agrícola del Bajío, Guanajuato, Mexico, to evaluate hybrid cotton (DCH-32) treated with different PGRs in a randomized block design with seven treatments and three replications. Treatments included GA₃ at 50 and 100 ppm, NAA at 25 and 50 ppm, mepiquat chloride at 750 ppm, cycocel at 1000 ppm, and an untreated control. GA₃ at 100 ppm gave the tallest plants (134.2 cm) and highest boll count (41.3 per plant), while mepiquat chloride shortened stature to 82.4 cm but improved harvest index by 8.7% over control. Seed cotton yield peaked at 2847 kg/ha with GA₃ 100 ppm, 31.4% above control. Fiber quality traits didn't differ across PGR treatments. GA₃ at 100 ppm appears most effective for boosting yield in irrigated hybrid cotton, whereas mepiquat chloride suits growers needing compact canopies.