What to Do About Early Wilt in Cotton? Latest Preventive Measures Explained in Detail
Cotton is closely tied to our daily lives and is a major field cash crop that drives our economy. It is widely planted in our country, but problems inevitably arise during cotton cultivation that affect the normal growth of cotton, and early wilt is one of the common ones. So how should early wilt in cotton be prevented? Let's learn about it together with the editor.
1. Choose waterlogging-resistant and disease-resistant varieties
When planting cotton, it is recommended to choose excellent varieties that are resistant to waterlogging and disease. This is the foundation for preventing early wilt in cotton. Variety selection should be adapted to local conditions. For early-stubble transplanting, varieties with a poorer growth period should be chosen, so that the peak boll period avoids the heavy rain season. For wheat and rapeseed stubble transplanting, early-maturing varieties should be chosen, so as to avoid late maturity affecting yield.
2. Clear ditches for drainage
⟦NL>Judging from the occurrence of early wilt across the country, wherever drainage work is done well, the occurrence of early wilt is milder. Especially in plots with low-lying terrain and a high groundwater table, ditches should be dug and soil mounded to ensure good drainage after rain, reducing the harm of early wilt and effectively improving yield and quality.
3. Delay root senescence
The period of vigorous root growth in cotton is from the squaring stage to the early flowering stage. After boll setting, root development gradually weakens. Therefore, field management after the flowering stage should mainly focus on nourishing and protecting the roots, delaying root senescence and preventing early wilt. After the flowering stage, deep intertillage should be avoided. Fertilization should follow the principle of small amounts applied multiple times. When topdressing, it should not be applied too close to the roots, so as to avoid root damage from concentrated fertilizer; it is best to apply it deeply in furrows. When cotton enters the peak boll-setting stage, 5-7.5 of topping fertilizer can be applied per mu to reduce the burden on the root system. Spraying foliar fertilizer once every week can compensate the plant for insufficient root absorption.
4. Remedial measures
After early wilt occurs, corresponding remedial measures should be taken promptly according to the degree and cause of occurrence. First, drainage should be carried out in time to reduce the impact of waterlogging damage. For mild waterlogging damage, dry the field in time, pull out dead plants, increase field aeration, and through field management help the surviving plants recover as quickly as possible. For wilting caused by fertilizer damage, the fertilizer should be reduced in time to lower the fertilizer concentration and promote the plants' return to normal growth.
The above is an introduction to preventive measures for early wilt in cotton. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.