Effect of Irrigation Application Devices on Boll Set, Cotton Yield and Fiber Quality

Abstract

Previous research concluded that water sprayed above the canopy on open flowers interrupted pollination causing flower drop and subsequent reduction in boll set and lint yield. The effect of water delivered through three different irrigation applicators (spray above canopy, spray below canopy and LEPA or drag socks) on boll set, lint yield and fiber quality of irrigated cotton was evaluated. Lint yield and the average number of bolls per plant were not affected by the type of applicator used (P<0.05, LSD). However, lint yield was 9.9% less in the spray above canopy applicator treatment than the spray below canopy and LEPA treatments. The type of applicator used did not affect fiber quality.