Overview:
Gossypium hirsutum L. var. hirsutum, commonly known as upland cotton, is a species of cotton plant belonging to the Malvaceae family. It is widely grown for its fiber, which is used to make clothing, textiles, and other products.
Origin:
Upland cotton is believed to have originated in Central America and Mexico. It was then introduced to the southern United States, where it has become one of the most important fiber crops. Today, the plant is cultivated in many countries around the world, including China, India, Brazil, and Pakistan.
Common Names:
In addition to upland cotton, Gossypium hirsutum is also known by a variety of other common names, including American upland cotton, Mexican cotton, and short fiber cotton.
Appearance:
Gossypium hirsutum is a shrubby plant that can grow up to 3 meters in height. Its leaves are broad and hairy, and its flowers are large and white or yellow in color. The fruit of the plant is known as a capsule, which contains the cotton fibers that are used for textile production.
Uses:
Upland cotton is primarily grown for its fiber, which is used to make textiles, clothing, and other products. The seeds of the plant are also used to produce cottonseed oil, which is used in cooking and as an ingredient in many food products. Additionally, the plant is sometimes used for erosion control and as a source of animal feed.
Light Requirements
Gossypium hirsutum L. var. hirsutum, commonly known as upland cotton, thrives in full sunlight. In fact, it requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day to grow properly. This makes it an ideal crop for areas with long hours of sunlight, such as subtropical and tropical regions.
Temperature Requirements
Gossypium hirsutum L. var. hirsutum is a warm-season crop that grows best in temperatures between 60 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for this plant is around 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit can stunt the growth of the plant, while temperatures above 105 degrees Fahrenheit can cause heat stress and lead to reduced yields.
Soil Requirements
Gossypium hirsutum L. var. hirsutum requires well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 5.8 to 6.0 for optimal growth. It is also important that the soil has good moisture retention capacity, as cotton requires consistent moisture to grow properly. It is recommended to plant cotton in soils with a sandy loam texture that are not prone to waterlogging.
Cultivation methods
Gossypium hirsutum L. var. hirsutum, commonly referred to as upland cotton, is a warm-season crop that requires full sun exposure to grow well. It can be grown in a variety of soils, but well-draining sandy or loamy soils are preferred. The ideal soil pH range is between 5.5 and 7.5. It is usually planted from late April to early June, depending on the region.
Watering needs
This plant needs regular watering, especially during the seedling stage. In the early stages, the soil must remain moist but not waterlogged. Once the plant reaches maturity, it will require less water but will still need to be watered regularly. The watering frequency and amount will depend on the local climate, soil type, and rainfall.
Fertilization
To thrive, Gossypium hirsutum L. var. hirsutum requires adequate nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is essential to fertilize the crop before planting and then at intervals throughout its growth cycle. It is best to conduct a soil test to determine the nutrient levels and requirements. The right amount of fertilizer will depend on the soil composition, crop age, and growth stage.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to ensure optimal cotton yield and quality. It is done by removing the excess vegetative growth that can impede the development of the cotton bolls or reduce their quality. Pruning should be done about two weeks before the first expected harvest, usually when the plant is 120-150 cm tall. The goal is to allow the remaining fruit and bolls to have more nutrients and sunlight for better quality and maturity.
Propagation of Gossypium hirsutum L. var. hirsutum
Gossypium hirsutum L. var. hirsutum, commonly known as upland cotton, can be propagated through several methods.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most commonly used method for propagating Gossypium hirsutum L. var. hirsutum. Seeds are sown directly into the soil or into nursery trays. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1 inch with a distance of 4 to 6 inches between each seed. Germination occurs within 7 to 14 days.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings propagation is another method to propagate Gossypium hirsutum L. var. hirsutum. Semi-hardwood cuttings of 6 to 8 inches long can be taken from the mother plant during the dormant season. The cuttings should have at least 2 nodes and should be treated with rooting hormone before planting. The cuttings can be planted directly into the soil or in a rooting medium like peat moss, perlite, or vermiculite. The cuttings should be watered regularly until roots appear after 4 to 6 weeks.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is a method used to propagate Gossypium hirsutum L. var. hirsutum. This is done by wounding the mother plant's basal stem and wrapping it with a moist sphagnum moss or rooting medium. The wrapped section is then covered with plastic wrap and tied with a string to maintain moisture. This method allows the formation of roots within 3 to 6 weeks. The new plant can be separated from the mother plant and planted in a new container or directly into the ground.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting propagation is a method used to propagate Gossypium hirsutum L. var. hirsutum. This method is used to produce a stronger plant by combining a scion from a desirable cultivar with the rootstock of a different cultivar. The union of the two plants results in a stronger plant with improved disease resistance. Grafting propagation method is not commonly used for cotton.
Propagation of Gossypium hirsutum L. var. hirsutum can be easily done through seed propagation, cuttings propagation, or air layering propagation. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the right method will depend on the grower's needs and resources.
Disease Management
Gossypium hirsutum L. var. hirsutum, commonly known as upland cotton, is susceptible to several diseases that can affect its growth and yield.
Some of the common cotton diseases include:
- Fusarium wilt
- Verticillium wilt
- Boll rot
- Root-knot nematodes
To manage these diseases, it is essential to follow good agricultural practices such as crop rotation, timely planting, and use of disease-resistant cultivars.
In addition, farmers can use chemical fungicides to control fungal diseases such as Fusarium and Verticillium wilt. Boll rot can be prevented by practicing good sanitation in the field.
Pest Management
Gossypium hirsutum L. var. hirsutum is also susceptible to several pests that can cause significant damage to the plant.
Some of the common cotton pests include:
- Bollworms
- Aphids
- Whiteflies
- Thrips
Integrated pest management practices can help manage these pests. Cultural control methods such as planting early and using insect-resistant cultivars can help reduce pest infestations.
Biological control methods such as the use of natural predators can also be effective. Insecticidal sprays can be used as a last resort in severe infestations.
Regular monitoring of the cotton crop is crucial to detecting pest infestations early. Early detection can help prevent significant damage to the crop and reduce the use of harmful pesticides.
