Influence of canopy management on physiological characteristics and yield performance of Bt cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in high-density planting systems

The present investigation entitled “Influence of Canopy Management on Physiological Characteristics and Yield Performance of Bt Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in High-Density Planting Systems” was conducted during kharif 2022 and 2023 at the All India Coordinated Cotton Improvement Project, MPKV, Rahuri, Maharashtra. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with 48 experimental plots, comprising different spacing (60 × 30 cm, 90 × 30 cm, 120 × 30 cm and 120 × 60 cm) along with canopy management practices. The results indicated that wider spacing improved leaf thickness, chlorophyll index and photosynthetic rate, while closer spacing recorded a higher leaf area index due to greater plant density. Among the treatments, pruning at 40 DAS and topping at 70 DAS showed superior physiological performance and plant growth. The highest seed cotton yield was obtained with 90 × 30 cm spacing and the interaction S2T1 (90 × 30 cm spacing with pruning at 40 DAS and topping at 70 DAS) recorded the maximum yield. Overall, appropriate spacing combined with effective canopy management significantly enhanced the physiological traits and yield of Bt cotton under high-density planting systems.