Evaluation of growth stimulants on growth and yield of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Abstract

The field experiment was performed at Adaptive Research Farm Karor, Layyah by sowing cotton variety (MNH-886) @ 25 kg ha^-1. The experiment was conducted by Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with a factorial arrangement and 3 replications. The fertilizer NPK was applied as per recommendation and standard agronomic practices were given at a proper time. The maximum cotton seed germination (m^-2) was 37.00 with soaking the seed in potassium chloride solution. A maximum number of plants m^-2 was (32.667) in treatment soaking seed in potassium chloride solution. Whereas a minimum number of plants m^-2 were (20.66) in the control treatment. Maximum plant height (cm)was observed in treatment soaking the seed in potassium chloride solution. Whereas minimum plant height was recorded in the control treatment. Maximum monopodial branches were observed in treatment soaking the seed in potassium chloride solution, followed by soaking the seed in water for 12 hours (hydro-priming) which is statically at par with soaking the seed in calcium chloride solution. Whereas a maximum number of sympodial branches were recorded at soaking the seed in potassium chloride solution (23.33). Seed priming of cotton seed with water and salts have no effect on the number of squares, flowers, open bolls plant^-1 and boll weight (g). Maximum average yield was (2700.00 kg ha^-1) in treatment soaking seed in potassium chloride solution. Whereas minimum seed cotton yield was (2338 kg ha^-1) in the control treatment. Maximum seed cotton yield was (901.07kg ha^-1) in treatment soaking seed in potassium chloride solution. Whereas minimum seed cotton yield was (773.70kg ha^-1) in the control treatment. Maximum seed lint yield was (1797.7 kg ha^-1) in treatment soaking the seed in potassium chloride (KCl) solution. Whereas minimum seed cotton yield was (1545.6 kg ha^-1) in the control treatment. Maximum seed index was (9.0167gm) in treatment soaking the seed in potassium chloride solution (KCl). Whereas the minimum seed index was (7.6133gm) in the control treatment. Seed priming of cotton seed with water and salts have no effect on the uniformity index (%), UHML fiber length, and micro narie value. Maximum GOT (%) was (46.033%) in soaking seed in potassium chloride solution (KCl). Whereas minimum GOT was (42.863%) in the control treatment.