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Sudan Journal of Agricultural Research

Effect of irrigation interval and picking time on fiber quality and the degree of stickiness in two cotton cultivars

Abdelatif,  A. H,  Hashim,  A. A,  Fadlalla, A. S,  Omer, M.M,  and Adam, H.S.

Abstract

This study was carried out at the Gezira Research Station (GRS) at Wad Medani during two successive seasons (2000/01 and 2001/02), to investigate the effect of two crop management practices (watering interval and picking time) on cotton lint quality and stickiness degree in two cultivars. The treatments included: three irrigation intervals (7, 14 and 21 days), two picking times (successive pickings and farmer’s practice)  and two cultivars (Barac (67)B and Barakat-90). Results showed no clear differences in yield and quality between the two shorter watering intervals, 7 and 14 days for both cotton cultivars. On the other hand, the longer irrigation interval of 21 days lowered fiber maturity compared to the other shorter watering intervals and also decreased the yield by 16% and 22% for Barac (67)B and Barakat, respectively. The farmer’s practice (late picking) exposed the seed cotton to insect secretions, dust and small leaf trash resulting in higher levels of stickiness and lower lint grades compared to programmed successive picks. However the prolonged irrigation interval of 21 days resulted in a lower stickiness level. Economic analysis indicated that benefits from successive picks were higher by 15 and 5% for Barac (67)B and Barakat- 90, respectively, compared to the farmers' practice.

Sudan Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 14 (2009) PP. 1-10