Overview of Gossypium barbadense L. var. hirsutum (L.) Triana & Planch.
Gossypium barbadense L. var. hirsutum, commonly known as upland cotton, is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Malvaceae. This plant is native to Central and South America and is widely cultivated for its fibers, which are used to produce textiles.
Appearance of Gossypium barbadense L. var. hirsutum (L.) Triana & Planch.
The upland cotton plant is a small shrub that grows up to 6 feet high. It has a taproot system and a woody stem. The leaves are broad and have three to five lobes. The flowers have a yellowish color and are 2 to 3 inches in diameter. The fruits of the plant are oval capsules that contain multiple seeds or fibers. The fibers are long, white, and soft and are arranged in a twisted form, forming a boll.
Common Names of Gossypium barbadense L. var. hirsutum (L.) Triana & Planch.
The upland cotton is known by several common names such as American cotton, Mexican cotton, Creole cotton, West Indian cotton, and Orlean cotton. In some countries, it is also referred to as simply cotton.
Uses of Gossypium barbadense L. var. hirsutum (L.) Triana & Planch.
The fibers of Gossypium barbadense L. var. hirsutum are widely used for producing textiles, clothing, and other household items. The oil extracted from the seeds is also used in the production of food products, such as margarine and salad dressing. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, dysentery, and diarrhea. Moreover, cottonseed meal is a by-product of the cotton industry and is used as animal feed and fertilizer.
Light Requirements
Gossypium barbadense L. var. hirsutum (L.) Triana & Planch. requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and maturity. The plant needs a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce healthy foliage and flowers. It is essential to provide the plant with an unobstructed source of natural light to maximize its growth potential.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in a warm environment with a temperature range between 15°C and 35°C. The optimal temperature range for its growth is between 21°C and 30°C. Temperatures below 10°C and above 40°C may lead to irreversible damage to the plant. Gossypium barbadense L. var. hirsutum (L.) Triana & Planch. requires a warm climate to produce healthy foliage, flowers, and bolls.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining, deep soils that are rich in organic matter. It grows best in loamy soils with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant requires moderate to high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for optimal growth and development. It is essential to maintain good soil moisture to ensure the plant's health and avoid water stress.
Cultivation Methods
Gossypium barbadense L. var. hirsutum (L.) Triana & Planch. is a warm climate crop that requires a minimum temperature of 60°F. The plant is grown for its cotton fiber that is found in the bolls that form after pollination. It is essential that the soil in which it is grown is well-drained and has a pH level of 6.0-6.5.
It is recommended to sow the seeds early to mid-spring 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost in the region. The recommended distance between the plants should be about 3-6 feet apart, while the rows should be about 3-5 feet apart.
Watering Needs
The Gossypium barbadense L. var. hirsutum (L.) Triana & Planch. plant requires regular watering, especially during the flowering and boll-forming stages. It is imperative to avoid overwatering as it may lead to waterlogging and, ultimately, root rot. The use of drip or irrigation systems is highly recommended to ensure consistent watering and proper moisture content for the plant.
Fertilization
Proper fertilization is vital for a healthy and productive Gossypium barbadense L. var. hirsutum (L.) Triana & Planch. crop. Organic fertilizers are best, and they should be used 2-3 weeks before planting and then again when the plants begin to flower. Nitrogen is a crucial nutrient for the plant, and its deficiency may affect the boll formation and fiber development.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for the Gossypium barbadense L. var. hirsutum (L.) Triana & Planch. plant, especially when grown as an ornamental plant. It is recommended to remove the lower branches regularly to promote upward growth and proper air circulation in the plant. Also, removing the infected, diseased or damaged parts of the plant helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases. Regular pruning can promote a healthy plant, and increase fiber production and quality.
Propagation of Gossypium barbadense L. var. hirsutum (L.) Triana & Planch.
Gossypium barbadense L. var. hirsutum (L.) Triana & Planch., commonly known as upland cotton, is a woody perennial plant that belongs to the Malvaceae family. It is one of the most important crops in the global textile industry and widely grown in many parts of the world. Propagation of upland cotton can be done through various methods including:
Seed Propagation
Propagating upland cotton from seeds is a simple and effective way to increase plant populations. The seeds should be planted in well-prepared soil with good drainage at a depth of 1-2 cm. The seedlings will emerge after 5-10 days depending on the temperature and moisture levels. Once the seedlings have grown to a height of 8-10 cm, they are ready to be transplanted.
Cuttings Propagation
Upland cotton can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Select a well-grown, healthy stem and cut it at an angle of 45 degrees. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in a potting mix of sand and peat moss. The pot should be covered with plastic to maintain high humidity levels and kept in a warm location. The cutting will start to root within 2-4 weeks and can be transplanted once it has developed a healthy root system.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is a more advanced method of propagating upland cotton. It involves joining a scion (the desired plant variety) with a rootstock (a different but compatible plant). The graft is made by cutting the rootstock at an angle and inserting the scion into the cut. The graft is then covered with grafting tape and kept in a warm and humid environment until the graft has taken. Grafted upland cotton plants have the advantage of disease resistance, higher yield, and better tolerance to environmental stress.
Disease Management
Gossypium barbadense L. var. hirsutum (L.) Triana & Planch. is susceptible to a range of diseases. The common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Verticillium wilt: This fungal disease can cause a lot of damage to the plant, leading to wilting and browning of the leaves. Use of resistant varieties, crop rotation, and soil fumigation with methyl bromide can help manage this disease.
- Fusarium wilt: Another fungal disease that causes yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Use of resistant varieties and crop rotation can help manage fusarium wilt.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes the plant to become stunted and leads to the development of circular spots on the leaves. It can be managed by removing infected plant debris, use of resistant varieties, and fungicide applications.
- Cotton rust: This disease causes yellow to orange spots on leaves and can lead to premature leaf drop. Fungicide application can help manage this disease.
Pest Management
Aside from diseases, pests can also attack Gossypium barbadense L. var. hirsutum (L.) Triana & Planch. The common pests that affect this plant include:
- Bollworms: These pests can cause significant damage by feeding on the cotton bolls, which can lead to reduced yield. Use of pheromone traps, insecticides, and genetically modified pest-resistant varieties can help manage bollworms.
- Aphids: These pests suck sap from the plant and can transmit viruses. Insecticides, reflective mulches, and biological control can help manage aphids.
- Spider mites: These pests can cause discoloration of the leaves and reduced yield. Insecticides, proper irrigation, and use of predatory mites can help manage spider mites.
