Foliar application of mepiquat chloride and nitrogen improves yield and fiber quality traits of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is one of the most important cash crops primarily grown for fiber. It is a perennial crop with indeterminate growth pattern. Nitrogen (N) is extremely important for vegetative growth as balanced N-nutrition improves photosynthesis, resulting in better vegetative growth. Excessive N-supply results in more vegetative growth, which increases the incidence of insect pest and diseases’ infestation, pollute surface and ground water, delays maturity and produces low crop yield with poor quality. The use of plant growth regulators (PGRs) is an emerging option to control excessive vegetative growth. The PGRs help in improving plant architecture, boll retention, boll opening, yield and quality by altering growth and physiological processes such as photosynthesis, assimilate partitioning and nutrients dynamic inside the plant body. Mepiquat chloride (1,1-dimethylpiperidinum chloride) is globally used PGR for canopy development and control of excessive vegetative growth in cotton. This study investigated the effect of mepiquat chloride (MC) and N application on yield and yield components of transgenic cotton variety ‘BT-FSH-326’. Two N rates (0, 198 kg ha(-1)) and five MC rates (0, 30,60, 90 and 120 g ha(-1)) were included in the study. Results revealed that MC and N application improved boll weight, number of bolls per plant, and seed cotton and lint yields. The highest seed cotton and lint yields (3595 kg ha(-1) and 1701 kg ha(-1), respectively) were observed under foliar application of 198 kg ha(-1) N and 120 g ha(-1) MC. Fiber length, fiber strength, micronaire and uniformity were significantly improved with foliar application of MC and N. In conclusion, foliar application of MC and N could be helpful in improving yield and fiber quality of cotton.