Effects of cultural system (organic andconventional) on growth and fiber qualityof two cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)varieties

Organic cotton is a new industrial crop product. Field experiments were conducted to determine the effects of culturalsystems and varieties on the growth, fiber quality and yield components of cotton crop (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Theexperiments, conducted during 2006 and 2007, were laid out in a split plot design with four replicates, two main plots(organic and conventional system) and two sub-plots (cotton varieties: Athena and Campo). There were no significantdifferences between the organic and conventional system for cotton growth, yield and fiber quality. The results suggest thatthe soil N released from both the inorganic (80 : 40 : 40 kg ha - 1 N:P2O5 :K2O) and organic pool (green manure) weresufficient to maintain good growth. Inferior-quality fiber was produced in the variety. Campo, which had the lowest fiberfineness (micronaire), strength, length and reflection. In addition, this variety had the highest fiber elongation andyellowness. There were no significant differences between varieties as far as uniformity and leaf trash ratio are concerned.A positive correlation was observed between fiber strength and length. However, a negative correlation was found betweenlint yield and fiber strength.