Effect of phosphorus fertilization and foliar application of chelated zinc and calcium on quantitative and qualitative properties of Egyptian cotton (Gossypium barbadense L. var. Giza 75).

摘要

Field experiments were conducted during 2 successive seasons at the Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Giza, on a clay loam soil, to study the effects of P fertilizer application (44 or 74 kg P2O5/ha) and the foliar application of Zn (0 or 40 ppm Zn 75 and 90 days after sowing) and Ca (0, 20, 40 or 60 ppm Ca 80 and 95 days after sowing) on the growth, mineral uptake, yield components and fibre properties of Gossypium barbadense cv. Giza 75. Dry matter yield (105 days after sowing), P, Ca and Zn uptake, open bolls/plant, boll weight, seed index, lint index, seed yield/plant, seed and lint yield/ha and the earliness of harvest increased with increasing P, Zn and Ca application. Lint percentage and fibre properties were unaffected by fertilizer application, except in the first season when micronaire and flat bundle strength increased with 74 kg P/ha application, and 2.5 and 50% span length increased with the application of 40 and 60 ppm Ca, compared with control plants.