Effects of Environment and Sowing Time on Growth and Yield of Upland Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Cultivars in Sicily (Italy)

Abstract

Cotton is one of the most important industrial crops in the world. Though widely cultivated in Sicily (Italy) in the past, cotton growth on the island has disappeared today due to a complex variety of agronomic, economic and socio-political reasons. In recent years, increased interest in natural fibers worldwide has led to a revival in cotton plants in the Mediterranean area. The aim of this paper was to assess the response of Gossypium hirsutum L. cultivars to different environments and sowing times. Elsa and Juncal were selected from the most promising cotton cultivars regarding earliness and productivity. Plants were tested with three sowing times and in two Sicilian environments. Cotton yield and yield components were significantly affected by experimental station, sowing time and cultivar. Lint yield of cultivars was 1.60 t ha−1 on average, and the highest value of 1.99 t ha−1 was obtained from an early sowing time. The three indices of agronomic earliness varied significantly based on treatments. In conclusion, the evaluation of response genotype-by-environment under different sowing times could represent a strategy to obtain optimal cotton seed and lint yields, although other general aspects, such as labor costs, land availability and capital resources, should be also considered when evaluating the reintroduction of the species in Sicily.

Effects of sowing dates and phosphorus levels on cotton growth and yield: soil analysis and implications

“…Conventional approaches have also contributed to the indiscriminate use of agricultural inputs, leading to environmental degradation (Iqbal et al, 2020). Furthermore, cotton yields are highly influenced by climate conditions and agronomic practices, including factors like plant density, sowing time, irrigation, and fertilization (Tuttolomondo et al, 2020). Sowing time is particularly crucial, impacting not only growth and yield but also fiber quality (Iqbal et al, 2020).…”

“…It affects root penetration, vegetative growth, nutrient uptake, and solar energy utilization (Khan et al, 2017). However, selecting the optimal sowing time can be complex due to environmental variables such as air and soil temperatures and solar radiation (Iqbal et al, 2020;Tuttolomondo et al, 2020;Lin et al, 2023). Various crop husbandry challenges, such as improper plant population, water scarcity, inadequate seed rates, fertilizer mismanagement, weed infestations, insect pests, and diseases, contribute to low cotton yields (Lin et al, 2023).…”

“…Moreover, the study delves into the dynamic relationship between sowing dates and phosphorus levels-a critical aspect of cotton cultivation. Sowing dates directly impact the growth and development of cotton plants (Iqbal et al, 2020;Tuttolomondo et al, 2020;Sankaranarayanan et al, 2021), while phosphorus levels play a pivotal role in nutrient availability and overall crop yield (Beltrán and Bonilla, 2021;Nachimuthu et al, 2022;Kayoumu et al, 2023). Unraveling the main and interaction effects of these variables is essential for optimizing cotton production in Chato District.…”

“…In the vast landscape of agriculture, where each decision made by smallholder farmers can significantly impact crop yield and overall productivity, the nuanced interplay of variables often remains a subject of intricate exploration (Sheahan and Barrett, 2017;Pawlak and Kołodziejczak, 2019). Among the myriad factors influencing crop growth, the strategic selection of sowing dates for cotton stands out as a pivotal determinant (Tuttolomondo et al, 2020;Sankaranarayanan et al, 2021). Concurrently, the application of phosphorus-containing fertilizers adds another layer of complexity to the agricultural equation (Johan et al, 2021).…”

“…The cultivation of cotton, a cornerstone of many smallholder farming communities, hinges on the delicate balance between environmental conditions and agronomic practices (Altenbuchner et al, 2016). The timing of sowing dates emerges as a critical factor, as it directly interfaces with the intricate dance between climatic patterns and the specific requirements of the cotton crop (Tuttolomondo et al, 2020). The significance of identifying optimal sowing dates is further underscored by the potential repercussions on crop establishment, development, and, ultimately, yields.…”