What to Do About Premature Senescence in Cotton? A Full Breakdown of Prevention and Control Methods
Premature senescence in cotton refers to a phenomenon in which cotton stops photosynthesis too early during its growth period, aging earlier than normal plants, which is also commonly called premature aging before old age. It has a serious impact on cotton yield, so how should premature senescence in cotton be prevented and controlled? Let's take a look together.
1. Strengthen fertilizer and water management
Most cases of premature senescence are caused by insufficient fertilizer and water in the later stage, resulting in poor plant nutrition, so fertilizer and water management should be strengthened in the middle and late stages of plant growth, which can effectively control premature ripening in cotton cultivation. Generally, when cotton enters the full bud stage to the early flowering stage, it should be watered in time, and at the same time, 8-10 kg of urea per mu should be applied as a topdressing along with watering, which can promote the quality of plant flowering. If no base fertilizer was applied, 10-15 kg of potassium fertilizer should also be applied as a topdressing. When drought occurs during the full flowering stage, fertilizer and water should be applied heavily, generally with 1-2 heavy waterings, and at the same time, 8-10 kg of urea per mu should be applied as a topdressing with each watering, which can increase yield and prevent premature senescence.
2. Intertillage and film removal
The bud stage of cotton is a good time to promote the growth and development of its root system. At this time, the plastic film has already lost its role in keeping warmth and preserving soil moisture, and instead, the high temperature under the film will affect root development. Therefore, during this period, intertillage and film removal should be carried out in time. Intertillage cuts off some lateral roots, prompting the roots to grow downward, increasing drought and waterlogging resistance, and playing a role in strengthening the seedlings. Generally, 2-3 intertillages should be carried out, and the depth of each intertillage increases with root growth.
3. Branch pruning and topping
Pre-summer bolls will affect the growth and development of the plant, leading to poor root growth, and pre-summer bolls are exactly in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment, making rot bolls very likely to occur. Therefore, it is best to remove the lower 1-2 fruit branches or 2-3 bolls on the lower fruit branches, so as to make full use of time and space and allow the plant to set more bolls. At the same time, topping should be done well. Generally, cotton fields with medium fertility should be topped in mid-July, and at the latest delayed to late July, which can reduce nutrient consumption by the plant.
4. Spraying foliar fertilizer
In August-September, cotton enters the late growth stage. At this time, the root system's ability to absorb nutrients declines, and premature senescence is very likely to occur. Therefore, at this stage, 0.2 kg of urea + 0.3 kg of potassium dihydrogen phosphate + 30 kg of water can be used for foliar fertilizer spraying, which can play an excellent role in preventing premature senescence and achieve obvious effects of increasing yield and income.
The above is an introduction to the prevention and control methods for premature senescence in cotton. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.