Exploring the Impact of Amino Acid Application on Cotton Growth and Yield under Semi-Arid Conditions

Author(s) : Liaqat Ali, Mushtaq Ali, Ashiq Hussain, Muhammad Shahid, Sabiha Abbas, Sidra Batool, Amna Batool, Muhammad Tariq, Ishtiaq Hussain, Muhammad Faiz Jamil and Ijaz -ul-Hassan

Digital object identifier:

https://doi.org/10.52587/JAF050207

Abstract:

Pakistan's cotton production ranks among the top in the world, yet its average yield remains far below the potential of its approved varieties. Poor photosynthetic translocation may be a limiting factor, but foliar sprays can rapidly provide essential nutrients during critical growth stages to help improve yields. In this regard, a two-year field experiment was conducted at the Adaptive Research Station, Sahiwal, under semi-arid conditions to investigate the effects of amino acid applications at 60, 90, and 120 days after sowing on cotton growth and yield. The experiment followed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications, using cotton variety MNH-1020, sown with 75 cm spacing between rows and 22.5 cm between plants. Treatments included various amino acids compared with a water spray: T1 - Quantis @ 400 ml acre-1, T2 - Seamaxx @ 330 ml acre-1, T3 - Isabion @ 400 ml acre-1, T4 - water spray, and T5 - control. Results showed that amino acid treatments significantly influenced boll number, boll mass, seed index, lint percentage, and seed cotton yield (p < 0.05) during Kharif 2022 and 2023. The highest seed cotton yield (3865 and 4554 kg ha-1) was obtained from T1 (Quantis), followed by T3 (Isabion) with yields of 3762 and 4456 kg/ha. The lowest yields were observed in the control plot (T5) with 3051 and 4080 kg ha-1. The maximum boll weight, seed index, and lint percentage were observed from T1, followed by T3. No amino acid application in the control plot resulted in the lowest values for these parameters.