Effect of defoliation on grade of cotton lint

Abstract

The effect of defoliation, and to some extent desiccation, on the lint quality of cotton was investigated in 4 trials in 1962-4. The 2 defoliants DEF (72% w/v S.S.S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate) and Folex (71.2% w/v.S.S.S-ttibutylphosphorotrithioite) were compared with the desiccant diquat. In all cases DEF and Folex caused loss of leaf in its green state and little desiccated leaf was present at harvest; diquat produced complete desiccation within 5 days. Little improvement in quality resulted from defoliation.