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How to prevent premature aging in cotton? Strengthening fertilizer and water management is key

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Recently, some cotton field plants have shown a trend of premature aging, and countermeasures must be taken early to ensure a bumper cotton harvest. The main signs are red stems reaching the top of the cotton plant, with hard, inelastic stalks; prominent main stem growing points, making it difficult to extend new fruit branches and fruit nodes; faded leaf color and small new leaves; reddish-brown spots appearing on the middle and lower leaves of the cotton plant, with basal leaves withering; scorched leaf margins, and in severe cases, premature shedding. Causes of premature aging (1) Unfavorable weather. This year, cotton experienced severe drought in the early growth stage and waterlogging in the middle stage, resulting in poor root growth and a weak ability to absorb fertilizer

Recently, some cotton field plants have shown a trend of premature aging, and countermeasures must be taken early to ensure a bumper cotton harvest.

Main signs: Red stems reaching the top of the cotton plant, with hard, inelastic stalks; prominent main stem growing points, making it difficult to extend new fruit branches and fruit nodes; faded leaf color and small new leaves; reddish-brown spots appearing on the middle and lower leaves of the cotton plant, with basal leaves withering; scorched leaf margins, and in severe cases, premature shedding.

Causes of premature aging: (1) Unfavorable weather. This year, cotton experienced severe drought in the early growth stage and waterlogging in the middle stage, resulting in poor root growth and a weak ability to absorb fertilizer and water. (2) Improper fertilization. Excessive nitrogen fertilizer applied early led to excessive vegetative growth, and chemical control was not timely, resulting in excessive nutrient consumption. In addition, insufficient potassium fertilizer input can also cause red leaf stem blight and induce premature aging. (3) Damage from diseases and pests. This year, Fusarium wilt showed symptoms for a long time, severely affected plants dropped many leaves, and plant vigor was weak; due to drought, red spider mites occurred relatively severely in some cotton fields early on, inhibiting cotton plant growth.

Prevention and countermeasures: Improve the drainage system in cotton fields so they can both drain and irrigate, ensuring normal cotton root growth. Fertilize scientifically, especially by applying sufficient and well-decomposed organic fertilizer and increasing potassium fertilizer. For vigorously growing cotton fields, promptly spray mepiquat chloride or chlormequat to control excessive growth and reduce nutrient consumption. Timely control pests and diseases such as tobacco whitefly. A mixed solution of monopotassium phosphate and urea can also be sprayed.

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