Dry-matter production, yield, photosynthesis, chlorophyll content and specific leaf weight of cotton in relation to leaf shape and colour

Summary Analysis of seasonal growth and fruit production of American Upland Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) with different combinations of leaf shapes and colours was made in 1970. Plants with the ‘okra’ leaf shape (LOLO) had a higher photosynthetic rate, number of green bolls, number of ‘squares’ (flowering buds) and flowers, dry weight of fruiting parts, fruiting index, harvest index (ratio of seed cotton to total biological yield), yield and lint percentage than plants with normal leaves. There were no significant differences in specific leaf weight (SLW) due to leaf shape. There was no significant correlation between SLW and photosynthetic rates among biotypes. There were no significant differences in different characteristics measured regarding leaf colours.