Effect of Planting Date On Cotton Growth, Yield, and Fiber Quality.

Field studies investigating variety by planting date interactions were conducted in 2012 in Jackson, Tennessee. Six varieties were planted on rows spaced 96.5 centimeters apart on plant dates May 1st, May 15th, June 1st and June 15th. Production practices for fertility, insect and weed management, and defoliation were made according to Tennessee's recommended practices. Plant parameters recorded throughout the growing season included final plant height, total number of nodes, and node of first fruiting branch, lint percent, lint yield, and fiber quality. The center two rows of each plot was harvested by a two row mechanical cotton picker. Data were subjected to analysis of variance. In conclusion, delaying cotton planting can decrease overall plant height, number of nodes, and lint percentage. While lint yields tend to decrease with later plantings, planting in mid-late June can dramatically reduce yields. Maximizing lint yield is dependent on picking a variety that is adapted to the growing environment and planting when soil temperature is optimal.