During the mid-to-late stages of cotton growth, particularly as it enters the flowering phase, implementing effective management practices becomes paramount. These practices aim to maximize flower production and ensure the robust development of cotton bolls within the limited growth window. Let's explore some key strategies for managing cotton during this critical period:
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Apical Pinching: When approximately twelve to thirteen bolls have formed on both lower and upper fruit branches, and around five bolls on middle branches, timely apical pinching is necessary. This process, ideally performed early in the morning before the peak of summer, helps optimize branch growth and facilitates healthy flower and boll development.
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Lateral Bud Removal: In late summer or before the onset of autumn, it's advisable to remove lateral buds situated at the apex of fruit branches. This action ensures proper nutrient distribution, promoting robust flower and boll growth on each branch.
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Vigor Control: During the mid-to-late stages, cotton plants exhibit rapid growth due to increased temperature, humidity, and nutrient uptake. Promptly controlling excessive growth is essential if foliage darkens, stems thin out, or internodes elongate excessively.
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Fertilization: Apply balanced nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compound fertilizers during this period, especially on plots with nutrient deficiencies and stunted plant growth.
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Irrigation: Cotton plants are vulnerable during the flowering stage, and both drought and waterlogging can lead to flower and boll shedding, as well as increased susceptibility to pests and diseases. Therefore, timely irrigation is crucial, especially if wilting persists for three consecutive midday periods during dry spells. Proper drainage measures should also be in place to prevent waterlogging during heavy rainfall.
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Pest and Disease Management: Cotton is susceptible to various pests and diseases during the mid-to-late growth stages, including cotton wilt, blight, boll rot, and pests like cotton bollworms and aphids. Common pesticides used include cyhalothrin, imidacloprid, pyridaben, orange oil, and acetamiprid. Potassium dihydrogen phosphate may also be applied as a supplement.
Implementing these effective management practices during the mid-to-late stages of cotton growth is crucial for maximizing yield and ensuring crop health.
