Effect of pickings on seed quality parameters of Gossypium hirsutum L. varieties

Abstract

The present study was carried out in the Department of Seed Science and Technology Section, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of pickings on seed quality of American cotton varieties (H-1098 (I), H-1117 and H-1236) and to identify the best and most suitable cotton picking stage to produce most desirable seeds. All American cotton varieties were sown in the month of May in 2012-13 and 2013-14 and three pickings were collected from each variety with fifteen days interval starting with 50 per cent boll opening. Seed quality was significantly affected by three pickings in all American cotton varieties. Seeds collected during second picking showed higher seed quality characteristics in terms of seed weight, seed density, seed germination per cent, seedling length, dry weight, vigor index I, vigor index II than seed collected in first and third pickings. Minimum seed germination per cent, seed weight, vigor indices were found in third picking.