Effect of planting geometry and nitrogen levels on performance of Bt cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivar RCH-134.

A field experiment was conducted at PAU-Regional Station, Faridkot during Kharif seasons of the year 2006 and 2007 with an objective to evaluate the performance of RCH-134 Bt under different planting geometry and nitrogen levels. The experiment comprised of three planting geometries (100 x 60, 100 x 75 and 67.5 x 75 cm) in main plots and three N levels (112.5, 150 and 187.5 kg N/ha) in sub-plots of split plot design with four replications. The pooled data indicated significantly reduced seed cotton yield of 2596 kg/ha in narrow plant geometry of 67.5 x 75cm as compared to 100 x 60 (2985kg) and 100 x 75cm (2986kg) combinations. The latter two geometries, though statistically at par but yielded about 15% higher seed cotton yield than 67.5 x 75cm. Among N levels, there was a significant reduction in seed cotton yield at 112.5 kg N/ha during both the years as compared to other two higher levels. Highest seed cotton yield of 3120kg/ha was observed with application of 187.5kg N/ha followed by 150kg (2894kg) while least seed cotton yield (2553kg) was recorded with 112.5 kg N/ha.