Evaluation of seven most commonly grown cotton cultivars (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in North Greece. Productivity and fibre quality.

摘要

Studies were conducted in two regions of North Greece (Giannitsa, Serres), to evaluate the productivity and fibre properties (fibre strength and fibre length) of the seven most commonly grown cotton cultivars in these regions: Eva, Vulcano, McNair 220, Christina, Corona, Tabladilla 16 and Bravo. The experiments lasted for six years (1995-2000). All the characteristics tested were strongly influenced by the factors "cultivar" and "year", while mean boll weight, lint percentage and fibre length were also influenced by the factor "region". Significant cultivar x region, year x cultivar, region x year and cultivar x region x year interactions occurred for all the characteristics studied. The cultivars Christina, Corona and Bravo showed the highest seed-cotton yield, while Corona and Bravo showed also the highest lint yield. On the other hand, these two last cultivars had low fibre strength and length. The cultivar Christina, the most productive one in seed-cotton yield, had long, strong fibre, while its lint percentage was low. The cultivar Tabladilla 16 had satisfactory seed-cotton and lint yields, intermediate lint percentage and high fibre properties. The less productive cultivars were McNair 220, Vulcano and Eva. The cultivar Vulcano also showed low lint percentage and fibre strength, Eva had high fibre properties and McNair 220, intermediate lint percentage and fibre length and the highest fibre strength. Mean boll weight did not influence productivity strongly as it was not found to be correlated either to seed-cotton yield or to lint percentage. Positive correlation was observed between fibre strength and length. All characteristics were influenced by the factor "year", as a result of different weather conditions. The year 1996 was the most unfavorable one for seed-cotton yield and mean boll weight, because it was characterized by lower than average air temperatures and rather dry conditions. The factor "region", a combination of different climatic conditions and cultural practices, significantly influenced lint percentage, mean boll weight and fibre length.