The effect of light and moisture on cotton fruiting habits and yield

The value of a cotton crop is closely related to the yield per acre. Although the expenses of producing an acre of cotton vary somewhat from farmer to farmer, those factors affecting yield are the ones that determine profit. Most farmers of today follow established management practices in growing cotton so there is little variation from one year to the next in this respect. However, yields may vary greatly from year to year. Although diseases and insects may from time to time affect yield, the different climatic conditions under which plants grow cause significant yield variations among years. The process of fiber formation begins on the day the flower opens and continues until the boll matures. Therefore, it follows that environmental factors which influence boll set and development, also influence yield. The yield depends upon the climatic conditions being favorable or unfavorable from the date of squaring through boll maturation. Many farmers of today have found they can create a more favorable environment for cotton by using various skip row designs. Thus, this study was undertaken first to obtain data of the fruiting habits of cotton planted in various skip row designs under varying light and moisture conditions; second to obtain yield data from varying skip row planting patterns; and third to determine possible causes if yield variations occurred.