Interactive effects of detopping and planting systems on growth dynamics and yield of Bt cotton (Gossypium spp.)

Abstract

An experiment entitled “Effect of De-topping and Planting System on Growth and Yield of Bt-Cotton” was conducted at Cotton Research Scheme, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth Parbhani (M.S.) during the year 2019-20 in split-plot design with three replications. The experiment comprised of three main treatments consist of planting systems viz., S1 - (150 x 30 cm), S2-(150 x 15 cm), S3 - (150:75 x 30 cm) and four sub treatments viz. T1- Control, T2- De-topping of apical bud at 75 DAS, T3-De-topping of apical buds at 75 DAS and removal of side branches at 90 DAS and T4-De-topping of apical bud at 90 DAS. The results obtained from this experiment shows that the planting system of S3 - (150:75 x 30 cm) along with de-topping of apical buds at 75 DAS recorded significantly higher all the growth characters and yield attributes such as number of functional leaves, leaf area plant-1, monopodial and sympodial branches, dry matter plant-1, picked boll and seed cotton yield plant-1, and straw yield as compared to plant density of S2 and S1 and no topping. Adoption of planting system of S3 (150:75 x 30 cm) along with de-topping of apical buds at 75 DAS for obtaining higher seed cotton yield and found productive, remunerative and profitable under rainfed condition of Marathwada region of Maharashtra.