Plant Population Effect on Yield and Fiber Quality of Three Upland Cotton Varieties at Maricopa Agricultural Center, 2002

A field experiment was conducted at the University of Arizona Maricopa Agricultural Center (MAC – 1100 ft. elevation) in 2002 to evaluate plant population relationships with conventional row spacing under a range of high population conditions with new Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) varieties. The varieties, which included AG3601, DP458BR, and STV4892BR, were each planted to six densities of 15,000, 30,000, 45,000, 60,000, 75,000, and 90,000. Inseason plant measurement data revealed crop vigor and fruit retention levels were well within the optimum threshold for all varieties and populations. There was no interaction between variety and population in terms of lint yield and fiber quality parameters. However, results show significant differences in lint yield and fiber strength among varieties but not the fiber micronaire. In addition, higher population had no significant effect on lint yield or fiber quality. Higher populations had no effect in lowering fiber micronaire to premium levels as well.