What are the causes of cotton bud and boll shedding and what are the control measures
In cotton production, a large amount of bud and boll shedding often occurs, which has a huge negative impact on yield and, in severe cases, leads to total crop failure for farmers, seriously affecting economic returns. So what causes cotton bud and boll shedding? How should it be controlled? Below, the editor will share with you the causes of cotton bud and boll shedding and the control measures, to reduce bud and boll shedding and achieve high yield.
1. Variety reasons
Cotton varieties are diverse. Under the same planting conditions, because of differences in their origin, the degree of bud and boll shedding also varies. In addition, plant bugs and cotton bollworms like to lay eggs on hairy varieties, causing severe damage to buds and bolls and resulting in large amounts of shedding.
Control measures: When planting, choose smooth-leaf varieties with many buds, strong boll-setting ability and good overall resistance; these have low adhesion to insect eggs and are not easily knocked off by rain.
2. Fertilizer deficiency
A large part of bud and boll shedding is related to fertilizer deficiency. When nitrogen is lacking, plants become weak and the outer and top buds and bolls shed; when nitrogen fertilizer is excessive, plants grow excessively, inhibiting root uptake of other elements and causing buds and bolls to shed due to lack of nutrients. Obvious bud and boll shedding also occurs when phosphorus is deficient. Cotton is relatively sensitive to potassium, and many farmers do not pay attention to the application of potassium fertilizer, leading to nutrient imbalance in plants and bud and boll shedding. When plants lack boron, young buds also shed.
Control measures: In order to reduce bud and boll shedding, prevent premature aging of plants and increase yield, fertilize reasonably according to the plant's growth stage to supplement what it needs for growth.
3. Overdense planting
Too high a planting density, or overly vigorous plant growth, leads to a closed canopy in the field and can also cause large amounts of bud and boll shedding. Excessive density also often leads to more severe pests and diseases, causing premature aging in the later stage.
Control measures: When planting, use a reasonable density according to soil fertility and variety characteristics. Blindly relying on density to increase yield is not advisable.
4. Pests and diseases
The diseases that cause cotton bud and boll shedding are mainly Fusarium wilt or Verticillium wilt; they are more severe during periods of heavy rain, causing large amounts of bud and boll shedding. As for insect pests, cotton bollworm, plant bugs, cotton boll weevil, red spider mite, tobacco whitefly and other pests can all directly or indirectly cause cotton bud and boll shedding.
Control measures: Pay attention to the control of pests and diseases, with prevention as the main approach. For diseases, spray a fungicide once before rainfall, which can provide excellent prevention. Pest control should be done early, and can be carried out by combining physical and chemical control methods to eliminate pest damage.
The above is an introduction to the causes of cotton bud and boll shedding and the control measures. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.