Abstract

Studies were conducted at Cotton and Millets Experiment Station, Kovilpatti during Rabi 1983 and 1984 to study the effect of spacing (45x30cm and 60x30cm) and fertilizer levels (NoPo Nao P20 NeoPo and NeoPs0 kg/ha) on flowering and earliness in four hirsutum Cotten varieties viz., KC. 1: Supriya, MCU. 10 and LRA. 5166. The results revealed that there was no significant difference between the varieties studied. The earliness of cotton varieties was significantly influenced by both spacing and fertilizer levels. Days taken for first flowering and 50 per cent flowering were also influenced by fer- tilizer levels. In respect of Bartlett's index, N.,P2, kg/ha was found optimum considering the kapas yield. The normal and abnormal rainfall during the later part of the crop had no effect on the earliness of cotton.

Keywords: Cotton, Flowering, Earliness, Spacing, Fertilizer levels