PLANT GROWTH REGULATOR REQUIREMENTS FOR COTTON VARIETIES
Plant growth regulator (PGR) applications are often necessary in cotton to reduce vegetative growth and maintain a manageable crop in Georgia. However, making such decisions can be difficult because of the many factors that need to be considered (irrigation, soil fertility, temperature, soil moisture, growth stage, field history, etc.). Cotton variety also plays a role in making proper PGR decisions since some varieties need to be monitored closely and heavily managed while some are sensitive, and overuse may negatively impact growth and development, and ultimately yield. Because of potential differences in PGR requirement among varieties and due to frequent release of new commercial varieties, research is needed to help understand differences between varieties with regard to vegetative growth potential to develop proper PGR regimes for new cotton varieties
Research conducted in since 2010 has investigated the response of various varieties to two different PGR regimes (cotton which was not treated with PGR and cotton treated with mepiquat chloride three times (applied at initiation of squaring at 12 oz/A, at first bloom at 16 oz/A, and two weeks after first bloom at 16 oz/A)). Growth parameters, particularly end-season plant height, along with lint yield and fiber quality were used to assess the growth potential of a variety and document the impact a heavy PGR regime has on development and yield.
Data collected each year is used to fit varieties into one of four particular classes of variety responses to PGRs. The first class contained varieties with the most vegetative growth potential, and would require PGR applications in almost all situations. The 2nd class contains varieties with similar vegetative growth potential of the 1st class, yet are more responsive to PGRs or may have earlier maturity. The 3rd class contains varieties in which could require PGR applications, however initiation of PGR applications prior to bloom is not generally necessary and could result in premature cutout, especially in dryland conditions. The 4th class contains varieties which may need no PGR applications or in almost all cases not applied prior to bloom.
This grouping of varieties into classes was developed to simplify PGR decisions based on variety and help growers make more education decisions when planting varieties for the first time. When a new variety is planted, PGR decisions could be based on its PGR classification due to being in the same class as a more familiar variety or because it is in a different class than a familiar variety. This system was also developed so that future investigations of PGR needs of new varieties can be more easily evaluated and quickly determined.
Below is the relative PGR classification chart which has been updated with information from 2017.
The chart can be viewed in another window (to easily print) by clicking this link: 2018 Relative PGR Requirements for Cotton Varieties (1-10-18)
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