Abstract

Data were collected from flat and nonflat-square cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) plants in replicated experiments to evaluate their relative performances for yield components and fiber characteristics. Results indicate that the flat-square trait has an adverse effect on seed cotton yield, boll weight, lint percentage, lint index, fiber fineness, and strength. Flat-square plants produced more flowers than nonflat-square plants at Tucson, Marana, and Phoenix, Ariz.; but flat-square plants had a higher rate of shedding of deformed and incomplete flowers as well as reduced boll weight, lint percentage, and lint index. Thus, nonflat-square plants produced more seed cotton at harvest time, but they had similar crop maturity. Pedigree selection is suggested as one breeding procedure to effectively eliminate or minimize this abnormality.

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