About this Session

Changes In Seed Size And Yield Components In Arkansas Cotton Over 20 Years

Presented by: Dr. Fred Bourland, Professor, University of Arkansas

Small changes in genetically controlled yield components can affect the magnitude and stability of lint yield produced. Data for lint percentage, seed index (weight of 100 seed), lint index (weight of lint from 100 seed), number of seeds per acre, number of fibers per seed, and fiber density (number of fibers per unit area of seed coat) have been collected from variety and strain tests for over 20 years. Over time, lint index and lint percentage have increased while seed index has declined. Changes associated with each these yield components and their relationships with lint yield will be presented.

Influence Of Seed Size, Seeding Rate, And Planting Speed On Cotton Stand Establishment

Presented by: Ray Benson, Program Associate, University of Arkansas

High-speed precision planters are capable of covering more acres per hour than traditional planters and apply variable rates of seed across different management zones. Planting populations can be lowered without yield or maturity penalties if stands are uniform. Recent large-plot studies were established to evaluate the effects of plant populations on 12 cotton cultivars that varied in seed size. The cultivars were planted with prescription rates of approximately 1.0 to 4.5 seeds per row ft at low and high speeds. Reduced accuracy was recorded at the higher planting speed, especially in the high population treatments.