Plant Population Evaluation for Upland Cotton

Plant population management is an important aspect of cotton production. Recommendations for optimum plant densities range from 25,000 - 45,000 plants per acre (ppa). A study was conducted in Pinal county in 1994 to evaluate the recommendations already given. Plant densities for this study ranged from approximately 18,000 - 65,000. Yields increased with populations of 18,000, 28,000, and 39,000 ppa. For populations of 43,000 and 65,000 ppa a corresponding decrease in yield from 39,000 ppa was observed. This study serves to reconfirm the recommendations for optimum plant densities