Determination of yield distribution, fiber properties and oil content of bolls obtained at fruiting points of different cotton (gossypium hirsutum L.) varieties

This study was aimed at determining the yield, fiber traits, and oil contents of the bolls obtained from varying fruiting points of different cotton varieties. A total of 11 cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) varieties (Candia, Fiona, Olivia, Bomba, Sümer, Kalina, Livzara, Sahra 09, Lazer, May 455, Seres) grown in the region were included in the study as plant material. Data regarding seed cotton yield, plant height, number of monopodial and sympodial branches, number of bolls, boll seed cotton weight, ginning outturn, 100-seed weight, fiber index, fiber length, fiber fineness, fiber strength, and oil content were recorded. In addition, the cotton plant was divided into four parts, i.e., monopodial branches, fruiting branches 1-5 (zone 1), fruiting branches 6-10 (zone 2), and fruiting branches 11 and above (zone 3) and the number of bolls, boll seed cotton weight, and ginning outturn were recorded separately from each zone. The results denoted that Olivia, Lazer, and Livzara performed better in terms of seed cotton yield compared with the rest of cultivars, whereas Livzara performed better in terms of plant height, fiber strength, and oil content. Similarly, Olivia performed better in terms of number of fruiting branches, number of bolls, and boll seed cotton weight, while May 455, Sahra 09, and Kalina proved better for ginning outturn. Likewise, Kalina performed better in terms of fiber length, whereas Bomba proved better for fiber fineness. Zone 2 had the highest number of bolls, while zone 1 produced the highest seed cotton yield regarding sampling zones. It is concluded that Olivia, Lazer, and Livzara varieties can be recommended to farmers in the Harran Plain for higher seed cotton yield.