Notes on Cotton (Gossypium spp.): 

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Source: Modern Techniques of Raising Field Crops Book by Chhidda Singh

Origin and History:

• Used in India for over 5000 years, cultivated in the Indus Valley.
• Referenced in ancient texts like the Rig-Veda and Manu's Dharma Shastra.
• Originated in India, spread to Egypt, Spain, and Italy.
• India: Center of cotton industry around 1500 BC.

Area and Distribution:

• Global cultivation: 33.1 million hectares, producing 52.1 million tonnes of seed cotton (as of 1999).
• Major producers: India, USA, Russia, China, Brazil, Egypt, Pakistan, Turkey, Mexico, Sudan.
• India: Largest in acreage (8.7 million hectares), fourth in production.

Classification:

• Family: Malvaceae, Genus: Gossypium.
• Gossypium includes 20 species, with both wild and cultivated types.
• Cultivated species: Gossypium arboreum, Gossypium herbaceum, Gossypium hirsutum, Gossypium barbadense.

Botanical Description:

• Perennial in the wild, annual when cultivated.
• Height: 60-200 cm.
• Root: Taproot with lateral branching.
• Stem: Erect, branched.
• Leaves: Spirally arranged, 3-9 lobes.
• Flowers: In fruiting branches only, typical of Malvaceae family.

Climatic Requirements:

• Warm season crop.
• Mean annual temperature: Over 16°C.
• Annual rainfall: At least 50 cm.
• Temperature range: 16°C - 43°C.
• Frost-free season of 180-240 days required in North India.

Soil:

• Suitable soils: Sandy loam, clay loam, alluvial, black cotton, red sandy loams, lateritic.
• Avoid: Sandy, saline, waterlogged soils.
• Soil pH: 5.5 - 8.5.

Cropping Systems:

• Northern India: Rotations with wheat, chickpea, pea, linseed, berseem.
• Southern India: Cotton-sorghum-ragi rotation, intercropping common.

Field Preparation:

• Requires well-prepared seedbed.
• Ploughing, harrowing, planking recommended.

Seed and Sowing:

• Seed Treatment: Delinting with sulphuric acid, treatment for pests and diseases.
• Seed Rate and Spacing: Varies by variety and region.

Sowing Time and Method:

• Optimal sowing time varies by region.
• Sowing method: Drilling seed in rows.

Manures and Fertilisers:

• Cotton is a heavy feeder.
• Recommendations vary by region and variety.

Water Management:

• Irrigation based on rain frequency and intensity.
• Avoid waterlogging.

Weed Control:

• Interculture necessary for weed control.
• Manual and chemical methods used.

Diseases:

• Common diseases: Root Rot, Fusarium Wilt, Anthracnose, Bacterial Blight, Myrothecium Leaf Spot, Boll Rot.
• Control measures include crop rotation, chemical treatments, resistant varieties.

Insect Pests:

• Major pests: Pink Boll Worm, Spotted Boll Worm, American Boll Worm, Jassids, Aphids, Thrips, Whitefly, Cotton Leaf Roller.
• Control measures include heating seeds, fumigation, resistant varieties, chemical sprays.

Use of Hormones:

• Naphthalene Acetic Acid and Cycocel Sprays for better boll formation and growth control.

Harvesting:

• Handpicked in multiple stages.
• Important to dry and clean properly for market quality.

Yield:

• Improved practices can yield 15-20 quintals per hectare.
• Higher yields (25-30 q/ha) from hybrids.

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