Shashidhara, G.B.Udikeri, Manjula2021-12-312021-12-312017-08https://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810180213Field experiments were conducted under rainfed condition on performance of compact cotton genotypes to different spacings and fertilizer levels (Strip-Split Plot Design) and application of growth retardants (RCBD) at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad during kharif 2014-16. Genotype RAH-274 recorded significantly higher seed cotton yield (SCY) of 3,199 kg ha-1 which was on par with RAH-99 and DSC-1351. Higher density of 2,22,222 plants ha-1 (45 cm × 10 cm) produced significantly higher SCY (3,372 kg ha-1). Application of 100:50:50 kg N, P2O5 and K2O ha-1 recorded significantly higher SCY (3,175 kg ha-1). Genotype RAH-274 at 45 cm × 10 cm along with 100:50:50 kg N, P2O5 and K2O ha-1 recorded significantly higher SCY, uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (3,668, 157.5, 32.7 and 141.5 kg ha-1, respectively), net returns ( 1,04,600 ha-1) and B:C ratio (3.12) and was on par with RAH-99 and DSC-1351 at same spacing and fertilizer level. Yield parameters were significantly higher in wider spacing. RAH-99 at 60 cm × 15 cm with 100:50:50 kg N, P2O5 and K2O ha-1 recorded significantly higher ginning out turn (37.03 %) and seed index (10.11 g). Other quality parameters were higher among the genotypes under closer spacing irrespective of fertilizer levels. Foliar spray of mepiquat chloride (@ 50 and 100 ppm) and lihocin (@ 100 and 250 ppm) reduced the plant height (18.84 to 31.35 % and 15.25 to 26.18 % from lower to higher concentration, respectively). Higher SCY (3,187 kg ha-1) and net returns ( 85,871 ha-1) were recorded using mepiquat chloride @ 50 ppm at 90 DAS. RAH-274 at 45 cm × 10 cm along with 100:50:50 kg N, P2O5 and K2O ha-1 and mepiquat chloride spray @ 50 ppm at 90 DAS gave higher SCY, net returns and reduced the plant height facilitating for mechanical harvesting.EnglishThesis