Effect of 1-methylcyclopropene on upland cotton
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abstract
Ethylene plays a key role in square and boll abscission in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). When subjected to stress, cotton plants synthesize higher rates of ethylene which can result in the loss of immature fruit. The ethylene action inhibitor 1- methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) is used in many fruit, vegetable, and floriculture crops to counter the effects of ethylene. Protecting a cotton crop from ethylene through its early reproductive stages may boost yields by increasing fruit retention. A two-year field study was conducted in 2005 and 2006 at the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station in Burleson County, Texas to evaluate the effects of 1-MCP concentration and timing on cotton growth and yield components. The study was designed as a randomized complete block with 4 replications. Three rates of 1-MCP (250, 500, and 1250 g ha-1 of actual product) were applied as a foliar spray at a delivery rate of 93.50 L -1 ha. Each rate was applied at pinhead-square and fourteen days after pinhead-square; pinhead-square, fourteen days after pinheadsquare, and early bloom; early bloom and fourteen days after early bloom; early bloom, fourteen days after early bloom, and twenty-eight days after early bloom. Plant heights, total number of nodes per plant, percent square abscission, nodes above white flower (NAWF), relative chlorophyll content, fruit number, fruit size, and fruit distribution were not affected by 1-MCP. In 2006, electrolytic leakage was significantly increased by two, 250 g ha-1, 1-MCP treatments. In 2005, yield was significantly increased by six of the 1- MCP treatments and suggests an increase in boll retention, boll size, seed number, or seed size. The analysis of yield components conducted through box-mapping, however, failed to explain the observed yield response. In 2006, 1-MCP did not significantly influence yield.
