Effects of cultural system (organic and conventional) on growth and fiber quality of two cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.) varieties

Abstract

Organic cotton is a new industrial crop product. Field experiments were conducted to determine the effects of cultural systems and varieties on the growth, fiber quality and yield components of cotton crop (Gossypium hirsutum L.). The experiments, conducted during 2006 and 2007, were laid out in a split plot design with four replicates, two main plots (organic and conventional system) and two sub-plots (cotton varieties: Athena and Campo). There were no significant differences between the organic and conventional system for cotton growth, yield and fiber quality. The results suggest that the soil N released from both the inorganic (80 : 40 : 40 kg ha -1 N : P 2 O 5 : K 2 O) and organic pool (green manure) were sufficient to maintain good growth. Inferior-quality fiber was produced in the variety. Campo, which had the lowest fiber fineness (micronaire), strength, length and reflection. In addition, this variety had the highest fiber elongation and yellowness. There were no significant differences between varieties as far as uniformity and leaf trash ratio are concerned. A positive correlation was observed between fiber strength and length. However, a negative correlation was found between lint yield and fiber strength.

Organic Cropping System Effects on Fiber Quality of Three Cotton Cultivars in Greece

“…In the second experimental period (2009) yield differences for each cultivar ranged from 211 to 385 kg ha −1 in the two cropping systems, with organic being the most productive one. Similar beneficial or no negative effects of organic cultivation and vetch incorporation on cotton yield has been previously reported in several studies (Blaise et al, 2005; Blaise, 2006; Bilalis et al, 2010). In another study, Mygdakos et al (2007) observed that seed cotton yield after legume incorporation was greater than the conventional treatment.…”

“…Seed cotton yield in the organic plots was ranged at the same or higher levels than the conventional ones and this is probably related with the higher amount of N available for the plants after legume incorporation. Moreover, optimized soil physical conditions after legume incorporation have been found to be related with higher crop yields (Bilalis et al, 2010). In the second experimental period (2009) yield differences for each cultivar ranged from 211 to 385 kg ha −1 in the two cropping systems, with organic being the most productive one.…”

“…Cotton is a major industrial plant for many countries, including Greece (Avgoulas et al, 2005; Bilalis et al, 2010). Unfortunately, cotton cultivation has been often characterized by high water requirements and use of substantial amounts of fertilizers and pesticides (WWF, 1999).…”

“…Approximately 25% of the world's insecticides and more than 10% of all agrochemicals are used on cotton crops (ICAC, 1998; OTA, 2009). This reliance on fertilizers and pesticides has reduced water quality worldwide (Bilalis et al, 2010).…”

“…The demand for organic fiber in the European and international market is increasing, despite its higher price (ICAC, 1998). However, there is still limited information concerning several aspects of organic cotton cultivation (Blaise, 2006; Bilalis et al, 2010). Organic cotton produced after incorporation of green manure appears to be superior to conventional cotton production, even when a flat price is taken into account (Mygdakos et al, 2007).…”