Timing of planting is crucial for cotton yield

Abstract A field study has been conducted to evaluate the importance of planting dates on earliness and second crop seed cotton yield in two cotton cultivars (Gossypium hirsutum L.). The experiment was designed as a split-plot with three replications in which planting dates were the main plots and cotton cultivars were subplots. Five planting dates were established at about 15-day intervals from mid-April to mid-June (15 April, 1 May, 15 May, 1 June, and 15 June). Data collected in both years indicated that planting on 15 April increased the seed cotton yield by 15%. 1 June planting resulted in lower yield (28%), micronaire (15%) and strength (10%) compared to 1 May. Short fibre content was 35% higher for the 15 June planting than for 1 May planting. Cultivar responses differed with planting date. The existence of cultivar×planting date interaction on yield highlights the importance of selecting the right cultivar for the specified planting date. An early planting production system for cotton has the potential to increase yield and quality. Planting cotton as a second crop after cereals could also be feasible for the regions which have an expanding textile industry, although yield and quality are not as high as in crops grown at optimum planting date.