A Research on the effect of nitrogen and pix (mepiquat chloride) applications on fiber, yarn and seed quality on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. )

This study was conducted in 2000 to determine the effects of nitrogen (12, 18 and 24 kgha l) and pix applications (check, 250 cc/ha at squaring stage, 350 cc/ha 15 days later the beginning of the squaring stage, 350 cc/ha at fowering stage, 350 cc/ha 15 days later the beginning of the flowering stage ) on the boll, fiber, yarn and seed quality of cotton {Gossypium hirsutum L.). The experimental design was split plots with 3 replications. The highest lint percentage was obtained at 350 cc/ha 15 days later the beginning of the flowering stage with the 180 kg/ha nitrogen level. Neither nitrogen levels nor Pix treatments did affect fiber quality characteristics. Cool germination rate was not affected by nitrogen levels, however Pix treatment at 350 cc/ha at the beginning of the flowering stage, gave the highest cool germination rate. Yarn elongation were increased significantly with increasing nitrogen levels and the highest yarn elongation was observed with Pix treatments at flowering stage. Yarn strength was significantly increased by the Pix treatments at the flowering stage, compared to the treatments at squaring stage. Thick and thin places in yarn were greater at the 240 kg/ha nitrogen levels with Pix treatments at flowering stage. Key Words: Cotton, nitrogen fertilization, Pix application, fiber, yam, seed quality.