Karnataka J. Agric. Sci.

,23 (4) : (580-583) 2010

Influence of different plant densities on the growth, yield and economics of Bt cotton (Gossypium
hirsutum L.) genotypes under dryland condition*
M. J. MANJUNATHA, A. S. HALEPYATI, B. G. KOPPALKAR AND B. T. PUJARI
Department of Agronomy
College of Agriculture, Raichur-584101, India
Email: halepyati49@rediffmail.com
(Received: February, 2010)
Abstract: A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural College farm, Raichur during kharif, 2008 to find out the performance
of Bt cotton genotypes with different plant densities under rainfed condition. Bunny Bt BG-II recorded significantly higher
seed cotton yield (23.55 q ha-1) followed by Bunny Bt BG-I (21.83 q ha-1). Bunny Bt BG-II performed better with respect to
growth components viz., number of sympodial branches per plant (22.53), dry matter production (450.4 g plant-1), leaf area
(106.5 dm2 plant-1), leaf area duration (177.61 DAS), leaf area index (4.58), AGR (5.18 g day-1) and crop growth rate (22.4
mg dm2 plant-1). Significantly higher boll weight (3.53 g) and harvest index (0.246) were recorded with Bunny Bt BG-II.
Spacing of 60 x 30 cm recorded significantly higher (21.11 q ha-1) seed cotton yield than wider spacing of 90 x 60 cm (15.59
q ha-1), 75 x 30 cm (18.85 q ha-1) but it was on par with 90 x 20 cm (20.10 q ha-1). However, the differences in seed cotton yield
due to both Bt hybrids and closer spacings did not differ significantly.
Key words: Bt cotton, genotypes, plant densities

Introduction
Cotton is in predominant position among all cash crops
in India and has retained its unique fame as king of fibre and
white gold because of its higher economical value among all
cash crops. In India, nearly 70 per cent of the crop is cultivated
under rainfed conditions in the Central and Southern regions of
the country and it is essential to investigate the suitable
genotype which performs better under this condition. There is
much scope to increase the cotton production in India by
increasing the productivity through adoption of appropriate
agronomic practices. There is also a need to find out optimum
plant density for recently released Bt cotton hybrids to realize
the maximum yield potential. Hence, the present study was
undertaken to find out the potentiality of Bt cotton genotypes
and also to save cotton seeds with different plant densities
under rainfed condition.
Material and methods
The field experiment was conducted during kharif, 2008
at Agricultural College Farm, Raichur situated in North Eastern
Dry Zone (Zone-2) of Karnataka at 16o 12' N latitude and 77o 20'
E longitude with an altitude of 389 meters above the mean sea
level. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with four
genotypes (G1- Bunny Bt BG-II, G2- Bunny Bt BG-I, G3- Non Bt
hybrid and check variety RAS 299-1) in main plot treatments
and four spacings (P1: 60 x 30, P2: 75 x 30, P3: 90 x 20 and P4: 90 x
60 cm) as sub plot treatments with three replications. The
experimental field was clayey (56.94 % clay) in texture with the
available nitrogen of 215.9 kg ha-1, phosphorous (27.80 kg ha-1)

and potassium (147.53 kg ha-1) with organic carbon content of

0.49 (%). Sowing was done by hand dibbling as per the
treatments on 30-07-2008.
Results and discussion
Significantly higher seed cotton yield (23.55 q ha-1)
was registered with Bunny Bt BG-II when compared to non Bt
hybrid (18.35 q ha-1) and check variety (11.92 q ha-1). This may
be due to significantly higher yield attributing characters which
might have contributed for increased yield (Table 3). The increase
in the yield attributing characters with respect to Bunny Bt BGII might also be due to significantly higher growth components
and higher amount of dry matter accumulation in reproductive
parts upto harvest. Number of sympodial branches per plant
was significantly higher (22.53) with Bunny Bt BG-II and it
induced higher number of flowers and bolls per plant. Leaf area
being the photosynthetic surface plays a vital role in production
and availability of photosynthates for seed cotton production.
Significantly higher leaf area (106.50 dm2 plant-1) and LAI (4.58)
were recorded by Bunny Bt BG-II which might have credited to
the production and supply of sufficient photosynthates upto
the harvest of bolls. Significantly higher leaf area duration was
recorded with Bunny Bt BG-II (177.61 days) during 91-135 DAS
and it might be one of the important factors responsible for
higher seed cotton yield obtained in Bunny Bt BG-II by
contributing more assimilates for longer time. Higher values of
physiological parameters like AGR, NAR and CGR indicate better
growth of plant (Anon., 1973). Significantly higher AGR (5.18 g
day-1), NAR (0.169 g dm-2 day-1) and CGR (22.4 mg dm-2 day-1)

* Part of the M.Sc. (Agri.) thesis submitted by the senior author to the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad-580 005, India
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Karnataka J. Agric. Sci.,23 (4) : 2010

Table 1. Growth components, leaf area, leaf area duration and leaf area index of cotton genotypes as influenced by different
plant densities
Treatments

Plant
height
(cm)

Sympodial
branches
per plant

Main
stem
nodes per
plant

Leaf area (dm2 plant-1)

135 DAS
At harvest

Leaf area duration (days)

46-90 DAS 91-135 DAS

Leaf
area
index

117.59

22.53

22.95

106.50

78.8

85.28

177.61

4.58

117.04

22.05

23.12

101.30

75.9

83.65

171.48

4.35

110.71

22.05

20.23

94.80

69.6

74.96

157.79

4.08

107.39

16.95

18.12

90.00

63.0

66.34

145.01

3.87

Genotypes
G1 - Bunny Bt BG-II
(NCS 145)
G2 - Bunny Bt BG-I
(NCS 145)
G3 - Hybrid (Non-Bt)
(NCS 145)
G4 - Check variety
(RAS 299-1)
Mean

113.18

20.07

21.10

98.10

71.82

77.55

162.97

4.22

S. Em.

2.07

0.61

0.62

1.75

1.38

1.26

1.99

0.08

C.D. at 5%

7.17

2.12

2.16

6.06

4.79

4.37

6.88

0.28

111.81

19.77

20.97

96.60

71.4

98.48

207.36

5.36

114.06

19.48

21.10

98.10

70.3

80.89

168.60

4.36

111.78

19.12

20.63

96.00

70.1

96.40

203.58

5.27

115.09

21.92

21.72

101.90

75.5

34.47

72.35

1.89

Plant densities
P1 - 55,555 plants ha-1
(60 X 30 cm)
-1

P2 - 44,444 plants ha
(75 X 30 cm)

-1

P3 - 55,555 plants ha
(90 X 20 cm)

-1

P4 - 18,518 plants ha
(90 X 60 cm)
Mean

113.18

20.07

21.10

98.10

71.82

77.55

162.97

4.22

S. Em.

1.64

0.61

0.51

1.35

0.72

0.82

1.56

0.07

C.D. at 5%

NS

1.78

NS

3.94

2.10

2.41

4.57

0.19

were recorded in Bunny Bt BG-II which might have helped for

increased dry matter production and also its distribution into
the bolls and finally resulting in higher seed cotton yield (Table
1 and 2). Dry matter accumulation and its distribution into
different plant parts depend upon the photosynthetic ability of
a plant which inturn depends on the dry matter accumulation in
leaf, leaf area, LAI and leaf area duration. The results on dry
matter production and its distribution into different plant parts
of cotton genotype followed a set of pattern. At harvest, the
higher values of dry matter production per plant (450.43 g) were
recorded in Bunny Bt BG-II and it was found to be on par with
Bunny Bt BG-I (443.06 g) but significantly higher than non Bt
hybrid (421.90) and check variety (403.84). Increased dry matter
production may be attributed to higher dry matter accumulation
in leaves, stem and reproductive parts (Table 2). Significantly
higher (165.75 g plant-1) dry matter accumulation in reproductive
parts at harvest was registered with Bunny Bt BG-II when
compared to other genotypes but it was on par with Bunny Bt
BG-I (163.46). Higher dry matter production coupled with
maximum partitioning of dry matter into sink decides the yield of

any crop. It is the major factor considered responsible for higher

yield in Bunny Bt BG-II. This might have resulted in higher
photosynthesis and higher rate of growth. The dry matter
production in the early stages and subsequent partitioning into
reproductive parts is essential to achieve higher seed cotton
yield. The differences in the yield in both the Bt hybrids did not
differ significantly because they did not cause significant
variation with respect to all parameters i.e., growth,
physiological and yield parameters. This was also observed by
Bhalerao et al. (2008). Significantly higher (0.243) harvest index
was registered by Bunny Bt BG-II followed by Bunny Bt BG-I
(0.231) when compared to other genotypes due to higher
economical yield. The maximum gross returns (Rs. 59,583 ha-1),
net returns (Rs. 39,152 ha-1) and BC ratio (2.91) were accounted
with Bunny Bt BG-II over rest of the hybrids except Bunny Bt
BG-I. This may be mainly due to higher seed cotton yield obtained
with Bt hybrids (Table 3). These results are in line with earlier
findings of Shankaranarayanan et al. (2004).

581

Significantly higher (21.11 q ha-1) seed cotton yield

Influence of different plant densities on the growth....

Table 2. Absolute growth rate, crop growth rate and pattern of dry matter production of cotton genotypes as influenced by
different plant densities
AGR (g day-1)
46-90 91-135
DAS
DAS

CGR(mg dm-2day-1)
46-90 91-135
DAS
DAS

5.18

3.85

22.4

16.7

137.2

133.7

155.9 427.3

127.2

157.4 165.7 450.4

5.15

3.75

22.3

16.4

135.0

132.0

153.4 420.6

125.5

154.0 163.4 443.0

G3 - Hybrid (Non-Bt) 4.94

3.67

21.5

15.9

130.1

128.2

147.2 405.6

117.3

149.3 155.2 421.9

4.71

3.65

20.4

15.9

128.5

122.5

142.1 393.2

113.6

143.0 147.1 403.8

Mean

4.99

3.73

21.6

16.2

132.7

129.1

149.7 411.7

120.9

150.9 157.9 429.8

S. Em.

0.09

0.07

0.40

0.3

1.95

1.99

2.20

6.06

1.84

2.43

2.30

6.80

C.D. at 5%

0.30

NS

0.13

NS

NS

6.61

7.61

20.96

6.38

8.41

7.97

23.53

4.96

3.71

27.6

20.6

132.2

127.7

148.9 409.8

119.8

149.7 156.8 426.4

4.99

3.73

22.2

16.6

132.7

129.1

149.9 411.8

120.9

150.6 157.3 428.9

4.94

3.74

27.4

20.8

132.2

128.4

147.3 409.0

120.3

149.8 156.7 426.9

ha-1 (90 X 60 cm)

5.09

3.74

9.4

6.9

133.8

131.2

151.6 416.9

122.6

153.5 160.6 436.8

Mean

4.99

3.73

21.6

16.2

132.7

129.1

149.7 411.7

120.9

150.9 157.9 429.8

S. Em.

0.04

0.05

0.2

0.3

0.51

1.05

0.88

1.57

0.80

1.22

1.28

1.50

C.D. at 5%

0.11

NS

0.5

0.8

1.49

3.05

2.56

4.59

2.32

3.57

3.75

4.37

Treatments

Pattern of dry matter production (g plant-1)

At 135 DAS
At harvest
Stem
Rep. Total Leaf
Stem Repr. Total
parts
parts

Leaf

Genotypes
G1 - Bunny Bt BG-II
(NCS 145)
G2 - Bunny Bt BG-I
(NCS 145)
(NCS 145)
G4 - Check variety
(RAS 299-1)

Plant densities
P1 -55,555 plants
ha-1 (60 X 30 cm)
P2 -44,444 plants
ha-1 (75 X 30 cm)
P3 -55,555 plants
ha-1 (90 X 20 cm)
P4 -18,518 plants

DAS- Days after sowing

NS- Non significant

was recorded with 60 x 30 cm than wider spacing of 90 x 60 cm

(15.59 q ha-1) and 75 x 30 cm (18.85 q ha-1) but it was on par with
90 x 20 cm (20.10 q ha-1). Even though, the seed cotton yield per
plant was significantly higher with 90 x 60 cm, it could not
compensate for the loss in number of plants per hectare and
thus recorded lower seed cotton yield per hectare (Table 3).
Similar results were observed by Narayana et al. (2008). The
ultimate seed cotton yield is the manifestation of yield
contributing characters. These yield attributing characters were
significantly affected by different plant populations. The
differences in the yield characters may be related to the
differences in the dry matter production and its accumulation
into different plant parts at various growth stages of the crop.
At all the stages of crop growth, lower plant population (18,518
plants ha-1) with 90 x 60 cm spacing recorded significantly higher
dry matter production per plant over higher plant densities
(44,444 plants ha-1) with 75 x 30 cm spacing and 55,555 plants

ha-1 with 60 x 30 and 90 x 20 cm spacings. Higher dry matter

production per plant may further be attributed to the improvement
in the assimilation of photosynthates and their accumulation in
leaves, stem and reproductive parts at various stages of crop
growth (Table 2). Further, the fact that higher population with
90 x 20 cm, 60 x 30 cm and 75 x 30 cm spacings depressed the
plant growth parameters resulting in lower number of sympodial
or fruiting branches, leaf area, dry matter production per plant
and consequently lower seed cotton yield per plant (Table 1).
Significantly higher (160.68 g plant-1) dry matter accumulation
in reproductive parts and leaf area (101.90 dm2 plant-1) were
recorded with 90 x 60 cm spacing when compared with other
spacings. Significantly higher (21.11 q ha-1) seed cotton yield
was obtained with 60 x 30 cm spacing and this was mainly
contributed by the higher LAI (5.36), LAD (207.36 days), NAR
(0.044 g dm-2 day-1) and also by the CGR (20.6 mg dm-2 day-1).
Varied plant population at different spacings caused significant

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Karnataka J. Agric. Sci.,23 (4) : 2010

Table 3. Yield components and economics of cotton genotypes as influenced by different plant densities
Treatments
Boll
Seed cotton Seed cotton Harvest
Cost of
Gross
weight (g)
yield
yield
index
cultivation
returns
(g plant-1)
(q ha-1)
(Rs. ha-1) (Rs. ha-1)
Genotypes
G1 - Bunny Bt BG-II
3.53
76.8
23.83
0.246
20,431
59,583
(NCS 145)
G2 - Bunny Bt BG-I
3.36
68.4
21.55
0.228
21,483
53,875
(NCS 145)
G3 - Hybrid (Non-Bt)
3.18
59.8
18.35
0.214
23,649
44,040
(NCS 145)
G4 - Check variety
2.81
47.5
11.92
0.184
18,343
27,408
(RAS 299-1)
Mean
3.22
63.1
18.91
0.218
20,976
46,226
S. Em.
0.08
1.58
0.63
0.005
1491
1278
C.D. at 5%
0.27
5.46
2.17
0.016
5160
Plant densities
P1 - 55,555 plants ha-1
3.05
52.4
21.11
0.192
21,945
51,635
(60 X 30 cm)
P2 - 44,444 plants ha-1
3.23
60.3
18.85
0.214
20,808
46,022
(75 X 30 cm)
P3 - 55,555 plants ha-1
3.01
51.3
20.10
0.187
21,981
49,117
(90 X 20 cm)
P4 - 18,518 plants ha-1
3.58
88.6
15.59
0.278
19,173
38,133
(90 X 60 cm)
Mean
3.22
63.1
18.91
218
20,976
46,226
S. Em.
0.16
1.36
0.48
0.004
1186
1365
C.D. at 5%
0.48
3.97
1.41
0.011
3461

differences in net returns, gross returns and BC ratio. The

spacing of 60 x 30 cm accounted significantly higher net returns
(Rs. 30,826 ha-1) when compared with 75 x 30 cm (Rs. 26,317 ha1
) and 90 x 60 cm (Rs. 19,806 ha-1) but it was on par with the

Net
Benefit
returns
cost
(Rs. ha-1) ratio
39,152

2.91

32,392

2.59

22,226

1.93

11,449

1.64

26304
0.09
4421

2.30
0.32

30,826

2.46

26,317

2.27

28,269

2.32

19,806

2.02

26,304
0.10
3986

2.30
0.30

planting geometry 90 x 20 cm (Rs. 28,269 ha-1). The higher net

returns (Rs. 30,826 ha-1) and BC ratio (2.46) with higher plant
population were mainly due to higher seed cotton yield obtained
per unit area (Table 3).

References
Anonymous, 1973, Investigation of structure of cereals (Maize and
Sorghum).A Techl. Rep. PL-480 project, pp.374.
Bhalerao, P.D., Gawande, P.P., Ghatol, P.U. and Patil, B.R., 2008,
Performance of Bt cotton hybrids for various spacing under
rainfed condition. Agric. Sci. Digest., 28(1): 54-56.
Narayana, E., Hema, K., Srinivasulu, K., N.V.V.S.D. Prasad and Rao,
N.H.P., 2008, Performance of Bt Cotton hybrid (NCS-145

Bt.) to varied spacing and fertilizer levels in vertisol under

rainfed conditions. J. Indian Soc. Cotton Improv.,33(April),3336.
Shankaranarayanan, K., Nalayini, P., Prabharaj, C.S. and Dharajothi,
2004, Effect of dates of sowing on the productivity of Bt
cotton hybrids. In: Int. Symp. Strat. Sust. Cotton Prod. A
Global Vision 2.Crop Production, November 23-25, Univ.
Agric. Sci., Dharwad, pp.103-104.

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