Effect of Nitrogen Levels and Mepiquat Chloride on Yield and Economics of HDPS Cotton

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif, 2022 at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Palem, to evaluate the effect of nitrogen levels and mepiquat chloride on the yield and economics of HDPS cotton. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. The results of this experiment revealed that application of T9: 125% RDN applied in splits at 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 DAS along with 2 sprays of 5% mepiquat chloride at 45 and 60 DAS recorded significantly higher number of bolls plant-1 (11.7), boll weight (4.49 g) and seed cotton yield (2484 kg ha-1). In terms of economic analysis, this treatment also exhibited the highest gross returns (₹ 1,78,872 ha-1), net returns (₹ 1,03,878 ha-1) and BC ratio (2.39). Conversely, the application of T1: 75% RDN in recommended splits of 20, 40, 60, 80 DAS recorded the lowest number of bolls plant-1 (8.0), boll weight (2.53 g) and seed cotton yield (1402 kg ha-1), as well as lower gross returns (₹ 1,02,766 ha-1), net returns (₹ 33,802 ha-1) and BC ratio (1.50). Based on these findings, it is recommended to adopt the practice of applying T9: 125% RDN (150 kg N ha-1) in splits at 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 DAS along with 2 sprays of 5% mepiquat chloride at 45 and 60 DAS to achieve maximum yield and economic returns of HDPS cotton.