Effects of fruiting site on fiber properties, yield, and yield components of two different maturity cotton cultivars

Variation in fiber quality, lint yield and yield components among fruiting sites of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., cultivars 'DES 119' and 'Deltapine Acala 90' were evaluated from 1994 through 1996 at Mississippi State, MS. Deltapine Acala 90 produced more lint at upper nodes and had greater strength than DES 119. Variation in quality among fruiting sites and cultivars was similar in 1994 and 1996. First and second position bolls produced 87% of the total lint. Bolls at upper nodes had smaller seed, higher lint percentages, and greater fiber strength. Longer, more mature fibers with higher micronaire were produced in the middle of the plant from first position bolls. All parameters in 1995 were significantly different from the other two years. Heavy infestations of insects removed majority of fruit above node 12 in 1995. This resulted in lower yields and similar fiber quality among fruiting sites with higher micronaire and maturity.