Dry matter accumulation and partitioning in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) as influenced by potassium fertilization

The effect of potassium (K) supply on dry matter accumulation and partitioning of biomass between different among parts of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) was determined under irrigated conditions. The treatments were four cotton cultivars (CIM-448, CIM-1100, Karishma, and S-12), four K rates (0, 62.5, 125, and 250 kg K ha−1), and two K-fertilizer sources (K2SO4, KCl). Sequential harvests were collected at four stages of growth, viz first flower, peak flowering, first boll split, and maturity. The dry weights (DW) of vegetative and reproductive organs were determined. Maximum total DW was obtained at 125 days after planting, and then it declined because of leaf senescence at maturity. Cultivars differed significantly among themselves in the production of total DW and its partitioning between different organs. The addition of K fertilizer increased DW substantially at various stages of growth. Potassium fertilizer stimulated cotton plant to translocate resources towards reproductive organs rather than vegetative organs. Crop receiving 250 kg K ha−1 allocated 77% more dry matter into reproductive organs. The K-sources produced a little effect on the allocation of DW in various parts of the plant. Maximum reproductive–vegetative ratio (RVR) was maintained by cv CIM-448 and minimum in cv CIM-1100. Data showed that a shift in DW allocation into reproductive organs was dependent upon sustained supply of K+ throughout the season. There were positive significant correlations (0.86, 0.71, and 0.90) between seed cotton yield and total DW, vegetative DW, and reproductive DW, respectively.