Effect of Plant Spacingon Seed Cotton Yield and CLCuV Infestationin G. hirsutum L.

This study was conducted to compare the seed cotton yield and cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV) infestations of newly evolved cotton genotypes (VH-303 and VH-305) under different plant spacings (15.0, 30.0, 45.0 and 60.0 cm) at Cotton Research Station (CRS), Vehari, Pakistan, during 2013-14. The objective of the study was to determine feasibility of modern varieties under different plant spacings. The results indicate that cotton sown with 60 cm spaced plants performed better and produced maximum seed cotton yield. The cotton varieties were also differed significantly in their plant growth and VH-303showed superiority over another in all plant spacing. Plant spacing had significant effects on the number of bolls per plant, boll weight, seed cotton yield and non significantly effects for CLCuV infestations. However, genotype severely affected by CLCuV can be managed by increasing plant spacing to optimum level (60cm). Plant population was statistically similar for both cotton genotypes. In summary, cotton genotype VH-303 was recommended for optimum harvesting and higher seed cotton yield when sown with 60 cm plant spacing under CLCuV hotspot condition of Vehari district.