Characterization of Heat Stress Effects on Cotton Production in the Low Deserts of Arizona
Agronomy & Pest Management
Blase Evancho
Assistant in Extension
Casa Grande
Abstract
High temperature trends in the low desert of Arizona can have a severe negative impact on cotton production. Heat stress indices have been developed for tracking the effects on cotton fruiting patterns and ultimately yield. This presentation will summarize the culmination of three years of evaluations made to characterize the effects of heat stress on cotton growth, development, and yield. This work was conducted at the University of Arizona Maricopa Agricultural Center located in the low desert region of Arizona. Characterization of the effects of heat stress were accomplished by evaluating flower development, pollen dehiscence, boll symmetry, and ultimately yield and fiber quality. Significant correlations exist between pollen dehiscence and boll symmetry which was found to be significantly correlated to seedcotton yield. The ultimate goal of this work is to develop an in-field and in-season technique for evaluating the ability of a variety to tolerate heat stress where crop canopy temperatures rise above 86 F.
Authors: Kaleb Bruce, Blase Evancho, Blase Evancho, Naomi Pier
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Kaleb Bruce Research Assistant, University of Arizona, Arizona, 85546
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Blase Evancho Assistant in Extension, University of Arizona, Arizona, 85546
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Blase Evancho Assistant in Extension, University of Arizona, Arizona, 85122
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Naomi Pier Assistant in Extension, University of Arizona, Arizona, 85138