Bilal et al.

The Journal of Animal & Plant Sciences, 26(4): 2016, Page:

The J.977-987
Anim. Plant Sci. 26(4):2016
ISSN: 1018-7081

EFFECT OF FRUITING BRANCH REMOVAL AND NITROGEN RATE ON COTTON

SENESCENCE
M. F. Bilal1,3, M. F. Saleem1*, S. A. Anjum1, W. Farhad2 and M. Sarwar1,4
1

Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Department of Agronomy, Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences, Uthal-90150, Pakistan.
3
Office of Agricultural Extension, Sanjarpur Tehsil Sadiqabad District Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan.
4
Agronomic Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad.
*Corresponding authors email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT
Removal of early fruiting branches with optimum nitrogen dose caused more source and less sink at early stages leading
to delay in onset and progression of senescence in cotton. Field trials were conducted to investigate the effects of squares
and fruiting branches removal under different nitrogen levels on the growth of Bt cotton at Students Farm, University of
Agriculture Faisalabad, during 2011 and 2012. Experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD)
with factorial arrangement using three replications. Treatments comprised of manual alteration of plant architecture (F 1:
no fruiting branch removal, F2: removal of first fruiting branch, F3: removal of first and second fruiting branch, F4:
removal of all squares from first fruiting branch, F5: removal of all squares from first and second fruiting branch) and
nitrogen rates (N1: 175, N2: 225 and N3: 275 kg ha-1). Results exhibited more number of nodes above white flower
(NAWF) recorded in F5, followed by F3, F4 and F2 while minimum NAWF recorded in F1. Among nitrogen levels
maximum nodes above white flower were recorded in N3 followed by N2 and N1 during both years of study. Before
manual alteration of the plants architecture, no variation in plant height was observed at squaring stage, but at
physiologically cut-out stage plants gained more height with removal of squares/fruiting branches with maximum level
of nitrogen. Shorter boll maturation period was recorded in F4 and F5 than in F1, F2 and F3. Lower earliness index was
observed in F5 and F3 and higher earliness index in F1. Longer boll maturation period, earliness index and seed index
were recorded with 275 kg N ha-1. Removal of first and second fruiting branch and removal of all squares from first and
second fruiting branch along with higher nitrogen dose helped in delayed onset of senescence in cotton leading to
improved translocation of assimilates towards economic part and thus more seed cotton yield (data not given).
Key words: NAWF, NACB, Plant height, senescence Bt cotton.
emergence but first true leaf appearance is early than
conventional cotton varieties (Zhao et al., 2002).
Premature senescence occurred mostly in transgenic Bt
(B. thuringiensis) cotton cultivars during its commercial
production (Dong et al., 2006). It was suggested that
removal of early square and/or fruiting branches might be
a helpful practice for commercial cultivation of Bt cotton
(Dongmei et al., 2009). Removing early fruit and/or fruit
bearing branches (REFB) enhanced the levels of total N,
soluble protein, (Dongmei et al., 2009), lint yield
(Stewarta et al., 2001), boll size (5.1 to 5.7 %), number of
fruiting nodes (Dong et al., 2008) and root growth
(Dumka et al., 2004) than in the control. Early season
squares and fruiting branches removal increased root
growth (Dumka et al., 2004), photosynthetic rate (Wells,
2001; Dumka et al., 2003) and Cry 1Ac expression in Bt
cotton (Dongmei et al., 2009).
Nitrogen plays a vital function in building the
protein structure in plants (Frink et al., 1999). Nitrogen
deficiency stress enhanced the production of ethylene
(Lege et al., 1997), increase the content of inhibitors like
abscisic acid in the leaves and decreased the auxins

INTRODUCTION
Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is a main
leading fiber crop of the world, grown commercially in
more than fifty countries (Smith, 1999). Cotton is
perennial in nature and has been adapted to annual
cultivation due to enormous efforts of plant breeders (Ali
et al., 2003). Pakistan ranked 4th in cotton production
after China, USA and Uzbekistan in the world (Khadi et
al., 2010). In 2014-2015, cotton was planted on an area of
2.9 million hectares, having production of 13.98 million
bales, Cotton has 7.1% of value added in agriculture and
1.5% to GDP (Govt. of Pakistan, 2015).
In 1996 transgenic Bt cotton was planted
commercially in the United States (Hardee and Herzog,
1997). Biological characteristics e.g. days to squaring,
flowering, boll spilition and boll maturation period of Bt
cotton varieties vary from conventional cotton varieties
(Sarwar et al., 2012). In cotton maximum values of
genetic advances were observed for seed cotton yield,
plant height and earliness index (Farooq et al., 2014). Bt
transgenic cotton varieties have a drawback of slow

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The J. Anim. Plant Sci. 26(4):2016

content (Anisimov and Bulatova, 1982) leading to fruit

abscission at the reproductive stage (Zhao and
Oosterhuis, 2000) so that senescence started at early
growth stages. In Bt cotton, the uptake of N may be
increased due to introduction of Bt gene (Chen et al.,
2005).
It was also indicated that the removal of early
flower bud and/or fruiting branch could change the
nitrogen metabolism (Deng et al., 1991). Prebloom
square removal was applied on Bt cotton cultivars and
yield increase was observed; prebloom square loss,
increased ability of the Bt cotton to insect pest
management (Stewarta et al., 2001). Compensation
following square removal was greater at higher nitrogen
application than at lower nitrogen application (Malik et
al., 1981). Therefore, it was hypothesized that removal
of early fruiting branches might enhance vegetative
growth and development, and delay senescence at early
stage (Dongmei et al., 2009), and measurement of
phenology, plant height, node above white flower and
node above cracked bolls at different stages under
variable N rates. Thus, the present study was conducted
to find best indicator of changes in growth behavior of
cotton.

calculated for each treatment based on gross plot area and

were applied in three equal splits viz. at planting, at
squaring stage and at peak flowering stage. Phosphorus,
potassium and nitrogen as per treatment were applied in
the form of single super phosphate, K2SO4 and urea. In
total nine irrigations were applied; irrigation requirement
of crop was measured through water scouting. Maximum
temperature, minimum temperature and rainfall during
cotton crop growth period are presented in fig. 1. Weeds
were controlled by one pre-emergence herbicide Dual
gold @ 1.50 L ha-1 (S-metola cholor) at sowing and one
post emergence herbicide Roundup @ 2.7 L ha-1
(Glyphosate) with help of protective shield at 50 days
after planting. Insecticides i.e. Polo 500 SC
(Diafenthioran) @ 620 ml ha-1 & Confidor 200 SL
(imidacloprid) @ 620 ml ha-1 were applied to control the
sucking insects (Aphid, Jassid, Whitefly, Thrips and
Mites) and Proclaim 019 EC (Emamectin benzoate) @
500 ml ha-1 & Karate 2.5 EC (Lambda-cyhalothrin) @ 1
L ha-1 for control of pink bollworm, american bollworm,
spotted bollworm and army worm. Data on following
observation was recorded using standard procedures
during the course of studies.
Observations: Five guarded plants were selected at
random from each plant when first square (floral bud) of
a size visible with naked eye appeared on 50 % of
selected plants. Number of days from planting to
appearance of first flower was noted from the five
guarded selected plants and average number of days
taken to appearance of first flower was calculated.
Number of days from planting to first boll splition was
noted from the five selected plants and average number
of days taken to boll splition was calculated. Boll
maturation period (days) was calculated by deducting
number of days taken to flowering from number of days
taken from planting to boll splition. Number of the main
stem node (i.e. at which first fruiting branch develop) was
determined by designating node immediately above the
cotyledonary scars as number two, and counting the
successive ascending nodes until the one that gave rise to
the first fruiting branch. Height of first fruiting branch
(cm) was measured from pseudonode (cotyledonary
node) to first fruiting branch of five selected plants and
was averaged. Weekly node above white flower (NAWF)
measurements were initiated from five selected plants
with the appearance of first flower and continued until
physiological cutout stage (NAWF=4) came (Sarwar et
al., 2012), then average node above white flower was
calculated. Node above crack boll measurements were
initiated from five selected plants with twenty days
interval after the appearance of first boll splition (50%
opening on guarded plants) and continued until NACB=4
(Gwathmey and Hayes, 1997), and was averaged.
Earliness index (%) was measured with the help of

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The experiments were conducted at students
Farm, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, for the two
consecutive years (on 15th May 2011 and repeated in 16th
May 2012). The experimental area is located at 73.09o
East longitude, 31.25o North latitude and at an altitude of
183 meters above sea level. Soil samples were taken
before sowing of crop to a depth of 15 cm and 30 cm for
physio-chemical analysis (Table-1) prior to sowing. Land
remained fallow during rabi season of both study years.
Experiments were conducted in randomized complete
block design (RCBD) in factorial arrangement with three
replications. There were five rows per plot with 0.75 m
row to row distance and 0.30 m plant to plant spacing,
resulting a net plot size of 6 m x 3.75 m. Seedbed was
prepared by cultivating the field for two times with
tractor-mounted cultivator each followed by planking.
Delinted seed of Bt cotton (cv. IR-3701) was obtained
from office of Punjab Seed Corporation in Ayub
Agricultural Research Institute and planted on ridges with
the help of dibbler. The experiment comprised of five
treatments regarding manual alteration in growth viz. no
fruiting branch removal (F1), removal of first fruiting
branch (F2), removal of first and second fruiting branch
(F3), removal of all squares (floral bud) from first fruiting
branch (F4), removal of all squares from first and second
fruiting branch (F5) and three levels of nitrogen viz. 175
(N1), 225 (N2) and 275 kg ha-1 (N3). Whole of
phosphorus @ 87 kg ha-1 and potassium @ 100 kg ha-1
was applied at sowing and variable rates of nitrogen

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The J. Anim. Plant Sci. 26(4):2016

following formula. This index is referred as maturity

coefficient.
Weight of seed cotton from first pick
Earliness index (%) =------------------------------------ 100
Total seed cotton weight from all picks
Weight of 100 seeds in grams is expressed as
seed index (Saleem et al., 2010b). Thus to note seed
index three samples of 100 seeds from each plot were
weighted (g) and finally averaged. Plant height (cm) of
five randomly selected plants from each plot was
measured at three different stages; at appearance of first
floral bud (squaring stage), at physiologically cutout
stage and at last pick and average height was calculated
for different stages.

effects on boll maturation period and earliness index;

whereas seed index was significantly affected by nitrogen
levels (N) and not by branch/square removal. Interactive
response was non-significant, however years showed
non-significant for all these three parameters.
Comparison of treatments showed that minimum boll
maturation periods (29.80 days) and earliness index
(47.36 %) were recorded in F5 (removal of all squares
from first and second fruiting branch) as against
maximum boll maturation period (34.64 days) and
earliness index (52.79 %) in F1 (no fruiting branch
removal), which itself was not statistically different than
F2 (removal of first fruiting branch) and F3 (removal of
first and second fruiting branch) in case of boll
maturation period (Table-3). Among nitrogen rates more
boll maturation period (33.61 days), earliness index
(50.77 %), seed index (7.87 g) were recorded in N3 (275
kg ha-1) compared to other N rates.

Statistical analysis: Data on all the above mentioned

measurements were statistically analyzed using Statistix10 program and means were compared using least
significant difference (LSD) test at P5 (Steel et al.,
1997).

Senescence related traits: A gradual decrease towards

the death of the cotton crop was measured in the form of
node above white flower (NAWF). Total observations
from early flowering to physiologically cutout stages
were eight and NAWF included as fixed factor for easy
and clear measurement of senescence in cotton crop. Data
in Table-4 indicated that node above white flower
(NAWF) was significantly affected by fruiting
branch/square removal (F), nitrogen rates (N),
observation (O), and (F x O) while other interactions (F x
N, N x O and F x N x O) were found to be nonsignificant. Comparison of treatments showed that more
NAWF (8.69) were recorded in F5 (removal of all squares
from first and second fruiting branch) followed by 8.41 in
F3 (removal of first and second fruiting branch), 7.94 in
F4 (removal of all squares from first fruiting branch), 7.73
in F2 (removal of first fruiting branch) and 7.26 in F1 (no
fruiting branch removal) respectively. Application of 275
kg N ha-1 recorded maximum NAWF (8.78) followed by
(8.00) with medium rate of nitrogen (225 kg ha-1) and
minimum NAWF (7.24) was recorded with175 kg N ha-1.
In weekly interval observations more and at par node
above white flower (9.67) were recorded in O1 (3rd week
of July), (9.82) in O2 (4th week of July) and (9.82) in O3
(1st week of August) and minimum node above white
flower (3.28) were recorded in O8 (2nd week of
September). Years were also significant, more NAWF
(8.07) was observed during 2011 and less NAWF (7.94)
during 2012. Interactive effect of (F x O) showed that
highest node above white flower were recorded in F3
(removal of first and second fruiting branch) and F5
(removal of all squares from first and second fruiting
branch) at all the times of observations while F2 (removal
of first fruiting branch) and F4 (removal of all squares
from first fruiting branch) showed similar but less
NAWF, however lower NAWF was observed in F1 (no

RESULTS
Phenological and earliness traits: Data in table-2
indicated that days to first flowering, first boll splition,
node number for first fruiting branch height and first
fruiting branch height (cm) were significantly affected by
fruiting branch and/or square removal (F) and nitrogen
rates (N) while their interaction (F x N) was nonsignificant. Comparison of treatments showed that
delayed first flowering (60.08) and first boll splition
(93.54) were recorded in F3 (removal of first and second
fruiting branch) and enhanced first flowering (48.84) and
first boll splition (81.06) were recorded in F1 (no fruiting
branch removal), while years showed non-significant
effects. More nodes for first fruiting branch (9.72) and
taller first fruiting branch (31.89 cm) were recorded in F5
(removal of all squares from first and second fruiting
branch) while F3 (removal of first and second fruiting
branch) and F4 (removal of all squares from fruiting
branch) were statistically at-par with each other and less
nodes for first fruiting branch (8.16) and minimum first
fruiting branch height (26.55cm) was observed in F1 (no
fruiting branch removal), however more first fruiting
branch height (29.71 cm) was recorded during 2011 and
less first fruiting branch height (28 .18 cm) was observed
during 2012. Among the nitrogen levels more number of
days to first flowering (57.74), days to first boll opening
(91.22), node numbers for first fruiting branch (10.58)
and first fruiting branch height (34.65) were recorded in
N3 (275 kg ha-1) followed by (54.86 days, 86.72 days,
8.39 and 27.40 cm) in N2 (225 kg ha-1) and then (51.24
days, 81.16 days, 7.57 and 24.78 cm) in N 1 (175 kg ha-1)
during both study years (Table-2).
Table-3 depicted that fruiting branch/square
removal (F) and nitrogen levels (N) have significant

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The J. Anim. Plant Sci. 26(4):2016

fruiting branch removal) from flowering till

physiologically cutout stage (Fig.2).
Node above crack boll (NACB) and plant height
(cm) were recorded three times during crop growth. Data
in table-4 indicated that fruiting branch/square removal
(F), nitrogen rates (N) and number of observations (O)
significantly affected node above crack boll (NACB).
The interactive responses i.e. F x N was significant for
NACB while other interactions (F x O, N x O, F x N x O)
remained non-significant, years showed non-significant
effect. Maximum nodes above cracked bolls (12.13 &
11.99) were recorded in F5 (removal of all squares from
first and second fruiting branch) and F3 (removal of first
and second fruiting branch) while F2 (removal of first
fruiting branch) and F4 (removal of all squares from first
fruiting branch) are at-par with each other and minimum
(8.97) NACB (nodes above cracked bolls) was observed
in F1 (no fruiting branch removal). Among nitrogen rates
highest nodes above cracked bolls (11.84) was recorded
with the application of 275 kg N ha-1 followed by (11.00)
NACB in 225 kg N ha-1 and minimum NACB (9.67) was
observed in 175 kg N ha-1. Time of recording observation
indicated that maximum NACB was observed during 3rd
week of September (18.41) followed by 8.96 NACB
recorded during 2nd week of October and minimum
NACB (5.14) during 1st week of November. Figure-3
showed interactive effect of (F x N). Lower nodes above
cracked bolls were recorded in F1 (no fruiting branch

removal) at all the levels of N application, while higher

NACB were recorded in F3 (removal of first and second
fruiting branch) and F5 (removal of all squares from first
and second fruiting branch) with medium and higher
application of nitrogen.
Plant height at squaring stage was nonsignificant, however plant height at physiological cutout
stage and plant height at last pick were significantly
affected by fruiting branch and/or square removal,
nitrogen rates their interaction was also significant (table5). Maximum plant height (164.71 & 181.76 cm) were
recorded in F5 (removal of all squares from first and
second fruiting branch) while F2 (removal of first fruiting
branch) and F4 (removal of all squares from first fruiting
branch) are at-par with each other and minimum plant
height (148.37 & 165.12 cm) were recorded in F1 (no
fruiting branch removal) at both physiologically cutout
stage and at last pick. Among interaction more plant
height (180.30 & 197.53 cm) and (176.50 & 192.93 cm)
were recorded in F5 (removal of all squares from first and
second fruiting branch) and F3 (removal of first and
second fruiting branch) at highest level of N application,
while minimum plant height (136.57 & 154.23 cm) and
(141.13 & 157.80 cm) were observed in F1 (no fruiting
branch removal) and F3 (removal of first and second
fruiting branch) with lowest level of nitrogen application
both at physiologically cutout stage and at last pick
(maturity stage).

Table 1. Physico-chemical analysis of soil.

Characteristics
Study period
Depth of sample
Mechanical analysis
Sand
Silt
Clay
Textural class
Chemical analysis
Saturation
EC
pH
Organic matter
Total nitrogen
Available phosphorus
Available potassium

Unit

Value
2011
Cm

1-15

%
%
%

50
22
28

%
dS/m
-%
%
Ppm
Ppm

32
2.02
7.8
1.14
0.057
18.1
150

2012
15-30

48
23
29
Loam
34
1.79
7.7
1.03
0.040
17.5
150

1-15

15-30

50
21
29

49
22
29

38
1.90
7.7
1.03
0.046
16.1
180

35
1.76
7.7
0.93
0.038
17.5
150

Table 2. Effect of nitrogen rate and fruiting branch and/or square removal on phenological traits of Bt cotton.
Year
2011
2012
LSD (p=0.05)
Fruit/branch removal (F)

Days to
flowering
54.55
54.67
NS

Days to boll
splition
86.85
85.88
NS

980

Node number for first

fruiting branch
8.86
8.83
NS

First fruiting branch

height (cm)
29.71 a
28.18 b
1.18

Bilal et al.,

F1
F2
F3
F4
F5
LSD (p=0.05)
Nitrogen levels (N)
N1
N2
N3
LSD (p=0.05)
F x N interaction

The J. Anim. Plant Sci. 26(4):2016

48.84 d
55.93 b
60.08 a
52.58 c
55.62 b
2.06

81.06 d
88.95 b
93.54 a
82.95 cd
85.32 c
3.09

8.16 d
8.42 cd
8.78 bc
9.15 ab
9.72 a
0.57

26.55 d
27.59 cd
28.77 bc
29.92 b
31.89 a
1.87

51.24 c
54.86 b
57.74 a
1.59

81.16 c
86.72 b
91.22 a
2.39
NS

7.57 c
8.39 b
10.58 a
0.44

24.78 c
27.40 b
34.65 a
1.45

Means not sharing a letter in common within a column in each category differ significantly at 5% probability level. F1: No fruiting
branch removal, F2: Removal of first fruiting branch, F3: Removal of first and second fruiting branch, F4: Removal of all squares from
first fruiting branch, F5: Removal of all squares from first and second fruiting branch, N1: 175 kg ha-1, N2: 225 kg ha-1, N3: 275 kg ha-1.

Table 3. Effect of nitrogen rate and fruiting branch and/or square removal on phenological and earliness traits of
Bt cotton.
Year
2011
2012
LSD (p=0.05)
Fruit/branch removal (F)
F1
F2
F3
F4
F5
LSD (p=0.05)
Nitrogen levels (N)
N1
N2
N3
LSD (p=0.05)
F x N interaction

Boll maturation period (days)

32.29
32.18
NS

Earliness index (%)

49.64
49.80
NS

Seed index (g)

7.62
7.67
NS

34.46 a
32.78 a
33.63 a
30.51 b
29.80 b
1.74

52.79 a
50.23 b
48.21 c
50.00 b
47.36 c
1.02

7.52
7.65
7.78
7.56
7.72
NS

30.86 c
32.24 b
33.61 a
1.35
NS

49.17 b
49.21 b
50.77 a
0.79

7.51 b
7.55 b
7.87 a
0.15

Means not sharing a letter in common within a column in each category differ significantly at 5% probability level. NS= Nonsignificant, F1: No fruiting branch removal, F2: Removal of first fruiting branch, F3: Removal of first and second fruiting branch, F4:
Removal of all squares from first fruiting branch, F5: Removal of all squares from first and second fruiting branch, N1: 175 kg ha-1,
N2: 225 kg ha-1, N3: 275 kg ha-1.

Table 4. Effect of nitrogen rate and fruiting branch and/or square removal on nodes above white flower and
nodes above cracked bolls of Bt cotton.
Years
2011
2012
LSD (p=0.05)
Fruit/branch removal (F)
F1
F2
F3
F4
F5
LSD (p=0.05)
Nitrogen levels (N)

Nodes above white flower

8.07 a
7.94 b
0.09
7.26 e
7.73 d
8.41 b
7.94 c
8.69 a
0.51

Years
2011
2012
LSD (p=0.05)
Fruit/branch removal (F)
F1
F2
F3
F4
F5
LSD (p=0.05)
Nitrogen levels (N)

981

Nodes above cracked bolls

10.92
10.75
NS
8.97 c
10.46 b
11.99 a
10.64 b
12.13 a
0.40

Bilal et al.,

The J. Anim. Plant Sci. 26(4):2016

N1
N2
N3
LSD (p=0.05)
Observations (O)
O1 (3rd week of July)

7.24 c
8.00 b
8.78 a
0.11

O2 (4th week of July)

O3 (1st week of August)

9.82 a
9.82 a

O4 (2nd week of August)

O5 (3rd week of August)
O6 (4th week of August)
O7 (1st week of September)
O8 (2nd week of September)
LSD (p=0.05)
Interactions
FxN
FxO
NxO
FxNxO

9.38 b
8.29 c
7.42 d
6.37 e
3.28 f
0.19

N1
N2
N3
LSD (p=0.05)
Observations (O)
O1 : (3rd week of
September)
O2: (2nd week of October)
O3 : (1st week of
November)
LSD (p=0.05)
Interactions
FxN
FxO
NxO
FxNxO

9.67 a

9.67 c
11.00 b
11.84 a
0.31
18.41 a
8.96 b
5.14 c
0.31
*
NS
NS
NS

NS
*
NS
NS

Means not sharing a letter in common within a column in each category differ significantly at 5% probability level. *= Significant,
NS= Non-significant, F1: No fruiting branch removal, F2: Removal of first fruiting branch, F3: Removal of first and second fruiting
branch, F4: Removal of all squares from first fruiting branch, F5: Removal of all squares from first and second fruiting branch, N1: 175
kg ha-1, N2: 225 kg ha-1, N3: 275 kg ha-1.

Table 5. Effect of nitrogen rate and fruiting branch and/or square removal on plant height of Bt cotton

2011
2012
LSD (p=0.05)
Fruit/branch removal (F)
F1
F2
F3
F4
F5
LSD (p=0.05)
Nitrogen levels (N)
N1
N2
N3
LSD (p=0.05)
Interaction (F x N)
F1 x N1
F1 x N2
F1 x N3
F2 x N1
F2 x N2
F2 x N3
F3 x N1
F3 x N2
F3 x N3
F4 x N1

Plant height at
squaring (cm)
34.85
33.56
NS

Plant height at physiological

cutout stage (cm)
155.35
155.64
NS

Plant height at last pick

(cm)
172.30
172.44
NS

33.45
34.42
34.27
34.28
34.61
NS

148.37 d
150.50 cd
160.69 b
153.20 c
164.71 a
3.93

165.12 b
167.72 b
177.32 a
169.94 b
181.76 a
5.21

33.54
33.97
35.12
NS

141.71 c
157.60 b
167.17 a
3.04

158.95 c
174.33 b
183.85 a
4.03

33.03
33.50
33.83
35.03
33.23
35.00
34.16
33.36
35.30
32.60

136.57 f
162.17 c
146.37 de
140.70 ef
147.30 de
163.50 bc
141.13 ef
164.43 bc
176.50 a
141.27 ef

154.23 e
178.40 c
162.73 de
158.73 de
164.13 d
180.30 c
157.80 de
181.23 c
192.93 ab
158.17 de

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Bilal et al.,

The J. Anim. Plant Sci. 26(4):2016

F4 x N2
F4 x N3
F5 x N1
F5 x N2
F5 x N3
LSD (p=0.05)

35.16
35.10
32.86
34.60
36.36
NS

149.17 d
169.17 b
148.90 d
164.93 bc
180.30 a
6.81

165.93 d
185.73 bc
165.80 d
181.93 c
197.53 a
9.03

Means not sharing a letter in common within a column in each category differ significantly at 5% probability level. NS= Nonsignificant, F1: No fruiting branch removal, F2: Removal of first fruiting branch, F3: Removal of first and second fruiting branch, F4:
Removal of all squares from first fruiting branch, F5: Removal of all squares from first and second fruiting branch, N1: 175 kg ha-1,
N2: 225 kg ha-1, N3: 275 kg ha-1.
100.0
90.0
80.0
70.0
60.0
50.0
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0

Ju
ly
Ju
l
A y
ug
us
A t
ug
us
A t
ug
Se u
pt s t
em
Se be
pt r
em
Se be
pt r
em
b
O er
ct
ob
e
O r
ct
ob
O er
ct
ob
e
O r
ct
o
N be
ov r
em
N be
ov r
em
N be
ov r
em
be
r

Ju
ly
Ju
ly

ay
Ju
ne
Ju
ne
Ju
ne

ay

ay

ay

00.0

Maximum t emperat ure (C) 2011

Minimum t emperat ure (C) 2011

Rain fall (mm) 2011

Maximum t emperat ure (C) 2012

Minimum t emperat ure (C) 2012

Rain fall (mm) 2012

Fig-1. Weather conditions during cotton crop growth period.

12

Nodes above white flower

10

8
6
4

F1: No fruit ing branch

removal

F2: Removal of first fruit ing

branch

F3: Removal of first and

second fruit ing branch

F4: Removal of all squares

from first fruit ing branch

O7 (1st week of September)

O8 (2nd week of September)

O5 (3rd week of August)

O6 (4th week of August)

O3 (1st week of August)

O4 (2nd week of August)

O1 (3rd week of July)

O2 (4th week of July)

O7 (1st week of September)

O8 (2nd week of September)

O5 (3rd week of August)

O6 (4th week of August)

O3 (1st week of August)

O4 (2nd week of August)

O1 (3rd week of July)

O2 (4th week of July)

O7 (1st week of September)

O8 (2nd week of September)

O5 (3rd week of August)

O6 (4th week of August)

O3 (1st week of August)

O4 (2nd week of August)

O1 (3rd week of July)

O2 (4th week of July)

O8 (2nd week of September)

O7 (1st week of September)

O5 (3rd week of August)

O6 (4th week of August)

O4 (2nd week of August)

O3 (1st week of August)

O1 (3rd week of July)

O2 (4th week of July)

O8 (2nd week of September)

O6 (4th week of August)

O7 (1st week of September)

O5 (3rd week of August)

O4 (2nd week of August)

O3 (1st week of August)

O1 (3rd week of July)

O2 (4th week of July)

F5: Removal of all squares

from first and second
fruit ing branch

Treatments

Fig-2. Interactive effect of fruiting branch and/or square removal (F) observations (O)on nodes above white
flower of Bt cotton

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Bilal et al.,

The J. Anim. Plant Sci. 26(4):2016

16

Nodes above cracked bolls

14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0

F1: No
fruiting
b ranch
remo val at
175 kg N
ha-1

F1: No
F1: No
fruiting
fruiting
b ranch
b ranch
remo val at remo val at
2 2 5 kg N 2 75 kg N
ha-1
ha-1

F2 :
Remo val
o f firs t
fruiting
b ranch at
175 kg N
ha-1

F2 :
Remo val
o f firs t
fruiting
b ranch at
2 2 5 kg N
ha-1

F2 :
F3 :
F3 :
F3 :
F4 :
Remo val Remo val
Remo val Remo val Remo val
o f firs t o f firs t and o f firs t and o f firs t and
o f all
fruiting
s eco nd
s eco nd
s eco nd
s q uares
b ranch at
fruiting
fruiting
fruiting
fro m firs t
2 75 kg N b ranch at b ranch at b ranch at
fruiting
ha-1
175 kg N
2 2 5 kg N 2 75 kg N b ranch at
ha-1
ha-1
ha-1
175 kg N
ha-1

F4 :
Remo val
o f all
s q uares
fro m firs t
fruiting
b ranch at
2 2 5 kg N
ha-1

F4 :
Remo val
o f all
s q uares
fro m firs t
fruiting
b ranch at
2 75 kg N
ha-1

F5:
Remo val
o f all
s q uares
fro m firs t
and
s eco nd
fruiting
b ranch at
175 kg N
ha-1

F5:
Remo val
o f all
s q uares
fro m firs t
and
s eco nd
fruiting
b ranch at
2 2 5 kg N
ha-1

F5:
Remo val
o f all
s q uares
fro m firs t
and
s eco nd
fruiting
b ranch at
2 75 kg N
ha-1

Treatments

Fig-3: Interactive effect of fruiting branch and/or square removal (F) nitrogen levels (N) on nodes above
cracked bolls of Bt cotton
main stem node and increased internodal length. Node
number for first fruiting branch and first fruiting branch
height are the morphological measures of earliness in
cotton (Saleem et al., 2010a). Cotton cultivar matured
earlier approximately 4 to 7 days by decrease in one node
number of first fruiting branch (Ahmed and Malik, 1996).
Less days to boll maturation period with removal of all
squares from two early fruiting branch was due to more
source availability at early stages which helped in rapid
boll filling, but less earliness index in removal of first and
second fruiting branch and with two early fruiting branch
removal were due to more sink availability. Less boll
maturation period with lower application of N caused
reduced boll size, early boll filling with lower yield as
compared to higher N rates (Saleem et al., 2010c).

DISCUSSION
Phenological and/or earliness traits: Appearance of
first flower can be altered by various factors like
prevailing environmental condition (Shaheen et al.,
2001), mineral nutrition (Saleem et al., 2010a) and
cultivars (Anjum et al., 2001). When flower appears on
cotton plant several hormonal changes occur leading to
increased concentration of abscisic acid up to 100 folds,
as abscisic acid has role in desiccation tolerance in seed,
this higher concentration of abscisic acid in flower
indirectly increase concentration of ethylene and form
abscission zone on peduncle and flowers start to drop.
Manual removal of early squares increased the
concentration of cytokinins and decreased concentration
of abscisic acid in cotton and its effect remained effective
till 45 days after the removal (Dong et al., 2009).
In our study more days to first flower was
reported with removal of first and second fruiting branch
than control; and same was done with in higher nitrogen
dose followed by medium and lower nitrogen rates.
Similar trend was observed in days to first boll splition.
Removal of squares and/or floral buds as well as higher N
not only delayed senescence but also increased node
number for first fruiting branch (Bilal et. al., 2014) and
first fruiting branch height that may be due to increase in

Senescence related traits: Premature senescence mostly

occurring in commercially cultivated Bt cotton might be
due to more sink and less source ratio as a result of
biological control of boll worm (Dong et al., 2006). In
addition, senescence is usually associated with increased
concentration of ABA, ethylene and decrease in
cytokinins (Buchanan, 1997). Among numerous factors
such as nutrient deficiency (Wright, 1999), and alteration
in phytohormones (Yong et al., 2000) especially
cytokinins, ABA (Abscisic acid) and ethylene (Yang et
al., 2004) caused initiation of senescence and progress in

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The J. Anim. Plant Sci. 26(4):2016

cotton crop. Yield and quality of cotton was affected by

both premature senescence and late maturity (Dong et al.,
2006). For appropriate management in cotton it is very
important to understand causes of senescence and it
would be helpful to overcome the losses due to premature
and/or late senescence (Dong et al., 2009). Manual
changes in plant architecture may enhance concentration
of cytokinins and decrease concentration of ABA at early
stage to enhance more vegetative growth at its initial
stages of crop growth.
Nodes above white flower were counted from
peak flowering till physiological cutout stage to measure
its senescence in field condition. More nodes above white
flower were recorded with removal of all squares from
first and second fruiting branch. The removal of early
squares might have enhanced the concentration of growth
promoter hormones whereas the subtended and main
leaves of these branches also served as source of
photosynthetic apparatus at initial stages, while minimum
node above white flower in control treatment may be due
to increased concentration of ABA at early stages when
square converted into young boll after fertilization.
According to Dong et al. (2009) concentration of ABA
enhances 100 fold in developing seed, because ABA has
its role in desiccation tolerance hence it would prevent
seed to desiccation injury that may be the cause of early
senescence as it was observed in control treatment. At
peak flowering stage nodes above white flower were
more from mid July to first week of August and then
gradually decreased so physiological cutout stage came in
2nd week of September during both years of study.
Senescence too early (premature senescence) or too late
(late maturity) can be measured by nodes above white
flower counts (Jones and Snipes, 1999). Guinn and his
coworkers reported a series of detailed studies on the
causes of cutout, hormonal effects and nutritional stress
being the most important (Guinn, 1986).
More node above crack boll and plant height
were observed from plots, where first and second fruiting
branch were removed and supplied with higher dose of
nitrogen, which is an indication of delay in senescence as
compared with control. At squaring, differences in plant
height were non-significant. Thereafter delay in
senescence (increased plant height) was recorded in plots
where either two early fruiting branches were removed or
where all squares were removed from those two fruiting
branches. The previous studies showed that fruit loss
changes the partitioning of plant resources in support of
vegetative growth (Jones et al., 1996). Preferred
partitioning of photosynthates towards vegetative parts
like root, stem, and leaf due to fruit losses might be
responsible for the increased plant height (Sadras, 1996).
Early fruit (sink) removal enhanced the vegetative growth
and increased fruiting from at later-developed positions
also compensates earlier losses of fruit (Bednarz and
Roberts 2001).

Conclusion: Removal of first and second fruiting branch

and/or removal of all squares from first and second
fruiting branch delayed cotton senescence processes.
Moreover, addition of higher dose of nitrogen further
helped in delaying senescence by early healing up of the
injury caused by manual branch/squares removal. It is
further concluded that nitrogen application could be
managed during cotton crop growing period by
measuring nodes above white flower at different stages in
field condition. Future studies should focus on removal of
fruiting branches instead of square removal. Although
these removal strategies resulted in similar results,
fruiting branch removal is easier, quicker and can be
readily mechanized by agricultural engineers.
Acknowledgements: This research was supported by
Higher Education Commission of Pakistan and Analytical
Laboratory, Department of Agronomy, University of
Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan.

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