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Cotton first-30-days crop management plan

The first thirty days after sowing set the stage for plant population establishment, weed-free crop emergence and early canopy growth in cotton. Indian package-of-practice schedules consolidate a sequence of pre-emergence herbicide, basal fertilisation, mechanical inter-cultivation, post-emergence weed control and early foliar nutrition into this window.

Principle

Cotton seedlings compete poorly with grasses and broadleaf weeds in the first six weeks. Failure to control early-season weeds can cause yield losses of up to 45% (see Cotton Weed Management). Early nutrient supply also drives sympodial branching, which determines later boll-bearing capacity.

Implementation

The standard CICR-aligned sequence comprises:

  • 0-2 DAS: a pre-emergence application of pendimethalin at 1.0 kg a.i./ha within 48 hours of sowing to suppress germinating weeds.
  • Sowing / basal: the basal NPK plus zinc dose described in Cotton First Dose Fertilizer.
  • 15-25 DAS: mechanical inter-cultivation by blade harrow or hoe to disturb surface weeds and create a soil mulch.
  • 25-40 DAS: directed post-emergence spray of pyrithiobac sodium (75 g a.i./ha) plus quizalofop-ethyl (75 g a.i./ha) if grasses and broadleaf weeds escape; the combination is registered as a 6%+4% MEC ready-mix for Bt cotton.
  • 20-30 DAS: first foliar spray of water-soluble NPK with zinc and boron.
  • From ~30 DAS: three to four hoeing inter-cultivations at 15-day intervals.

Adoption context

The sequence forms the foundation of CICR's recommended package for kharif Bt cotton. It is taught through state Krishi Vigyan Kendras and is increasingly automated in HDPS plots where row spacing accommodates power-weeders.

Limitations

Pre-emergence efficacy depends on adequate soil moisture; the post-emergence directed spray requires careful application equipment to avoid drift onto cotton foliage. Resistant weed populations may require rotation of mode-of-action groups.

See also Cotton Weed Management, Cotton First Dose Fertilizer, Cotton Spacing Row Options, Sucking Pest Complex Cotton.

References

  1. Package of practices for Cotton: Maharashtra State. vikaspedia.
  2. Weed Management in Cotton. ICAR/SAU review.