Response of new cotton variety MNH-700 to mepiquat chloride under varying plantpopulation

Mepiquat chloride (1,1-dimethyl-piperidinium chloride) as a plant growth regulator thatcan used by producer to manage the crop development, uniformity and maturity. Fieldexperiments conducted during 2002 and 2003 to evaluate the fact of row spacing and Mepiquatchloride application on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) var. MNH-700. Four rates of Mepiquatchloride (4x123, 2x246, 4x246 and 4x370 mL ha-1) and a check with 0 mL ha-1 were evaluatedfor cotton growing in 25, 50 and 75 cm row spacing in 2002 and 2003. Plant height andnumber of total main stem nodes were different among row spacing and Mepiquat chlorideapplication. The height was highest in plots where no application of Mepiquat chloride. Cottongrown in narrow row spacing (20 and 50 cm) had higher seed cotton yield than 75 cm rowspacing, but reduce Ginning Out Turn (GOT) percentage in narrow row spacing negating anyincrease in seed cotton yield. In general reduced row spacing and Mepiquat chlorideapplication did not lower fiber quality. In some cases, micronair was reduced in narrow rowspacing (0.1), but values were in acceptable range for fiber traits. Mepiquat chloride isconsidered a desirable management tool to control crop growth. Ultra-narrow row spacingshould practices only in the areas where plant growth is not accurate or upto the standard.In fertile soils, Mepiquat application is suggested for control of plant growth in efficient wayunder narrow row spacing in viewing the habit of cotton genotype.