| dc.description.abstract | This study examines agronomic cotton data collected from test plots in Azerbaijan conducted by researchers from Texas A&M University and AgroCenter, an Azerbaijani consulting agency. Research was used to improve the cotton industry in Azerbaijan by focusing on improving yields, maximizing available resources and improving farming practices at the request of its government. The objectives of this study were to 1) test available varieties sourced from neighboring countries and select for high yields and fiber quality, 2) evaluate the effects of various levels of nitrogen fertilizer rates on cotton yield, crop maturity, and fiber quality, and 3) measure how effectively cotton could be defoliated and how the various treatments would impact fiber quality. There was minimal variety by location interaction within the country and high-quality cotton fiber can be produced. Cotton varieties should continue to be tested, and selected based on yield, fiber quality, and earliness of maturity. Fertilizer trials had minimal treatment by location interaction and the current rate of 200 kg ha-1 of monoammonium phosphate provided highest yields. Treatments containing the highest rate of Baystar (thidiazuron and diuron) and Son Final (ethephon and cyclanilide) achieved the desired level of defoliation. Defoliation trial results support the strategy of using split applications of defoliants. | |
