Monday, November 5, 2007
71-6

Comparative Analysis Between CWVI, Seedling Emergence and Vigor, and Crop Maturity.

Heath Stoerner, Craig Bednarz, and Cory Mills. Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University, P.O. Box 42122, Lubbock, TX 79409

As seed prices continue to rise, seeding rates continue to fall. Therefore, good seed vigor as well as quick maturing varieties with greater yield potential is highly sought after. In this experiment twenty four cotton varieties were selected. One-hundred twenty plants per plot were planted using a random block design with three replications at two locations. Both locations used a drip irrigation system and were managed for maximum yield potential. Seed vigor of each variety was obtained using the Cool-Warm Vigor Index Test (CWVI). Seedling emergence and vigor were determined by counting emerged plants every other day from the cotyledon to the fourth leaf stage. Nodes above cracked bowl were also recorded for crop maturity determination. Yield data on each plot was taken and samples were hand ginned for fiber quality analysis. Comparative analysis between CWVI, seedling emergence and vigor and crop maturity were made.