Influence of plant density on leaf parameters and canopy architecture of Bt Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

A field experiment was conducted on the influence of plant density vis-à-vis architecture on Bt cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) yield and quality parameters at the College Farm, College of Agriculture, PJTSAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during 2021–23. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with three replications. Among plant densities, leaf area index and light interception rate were observed to be highest in plants planted under 90 × 20 cm spacing (55,555 plants ha⁻¹), while the highest specific leaf weight was noticed in 90 × 60 cm spacing (18,518 plants ha⁻¹) during both years of study as well as in pooled mean. Non-significant differences were observed for canopy temperature and SPAD readings (chlorophyll content in leaves). Results revealed that physiological parameters, namely leaf area index and light interception rate, were recorded highest under semi-open type canopy architecture. Specific leaf weight was found to be highest in the compact type of plant canopy.