Evaluation of Growth Rates of Bt. Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Hybrid NHH-44 as Influenced by High Density Planting and Weed Management Practices under Rainfed Conditions in Marathwada Region of Maharashtra, India

A field experiment was conducted at experimental farm, AICRP on Integrated Farming Systems, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani (M.S.) during kharif seasons of 2020-21 on to study the “Impact of high density planting and weed management practice on growth and yield of Bt. cotton. (Gossypium hirsutum L.)” Treatment consist of Twelve treatment combinations comprising Three planting densities in main plot that is (S1-120 cm x 45 cm (18518 plants ha-1), S2- 80 cm x 60 cm (20833 plants ha-1) and S3- 90 cm x 45 cm (24691plants ha-1) and four weed management practices that is W1 - Stale seedbed technique + PoE Pyrithiobac Sodium 10% EC @ 62.5 g ha-1 + Quizolfop-ethyl 5% EC @ 50 g ha-1 + Straw mulching, W2 - Stale seed bed technique +PoE Glufosinate ammonium 13.5% SL @ 0.7 kg ha-1 + Hand weeding, W3 - Weed Free and W4 - Weedy Check.

The mean maximum AGR for plant height were recorded under high density planting 90 cm x 45 cm. Among different growth intervals 61-90 DAS recorded maximum AGR for plant height (1.664 cm day-1 plant-1), while mean maximum AGR for dry matter (2.358 g day-1 plant-1) were recorded between 91-120 DAS under high density planting 120 cm x 45 cm. Among weed management practices, weed free treatment recorded mean maximum AGR for plant height (1.645 cm day-1 plant-1) 61-90 DAS interval, while mean maximum AGR for dry matter (2.441 g day-1 plant-1) were recorded between 91-120 DAS. The mean CGR, RGR and LAI were also maximum under weed free treatment.