Cotton plants experiencing excessive growth of stems, branches, and leaves, along with an imbalance between vegetative and reproductive development, are referred to as "vegetative overgrowth" or "cotton growers." After the formation of cotton buds, both vegetative and reproductive growth occur simultaneously. However, when vegetative growth becomes too rapid and suppresses reproductive development, it can lead to bud drop or even prevent flowering entirely.
This condition is often caused by excessive nitrogen fertilizer application and overwatering. During the period from bud formation to the start of flowering, cotton plants require a balanced nutrient supply. If too much nitrogen is applied, it disrupts the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, causing the plant to grow too quickly in terms of foliage. In the Yellow River Basin cotton regions, heavy rainfall or irrigation after fertilization during the budding stage can easily trigger this overgrowth.
To manage this issue effectively, proper fertilization and irrigation practices should be followed. Base fertilizers are usually applied before planting, and no additional top-dressing is typically needed during the budding stage, especially in high-yield fields with good soil fertility. Flower-bell fertilizer should be applied across all fields. During the seedling stage, irrigation should be avoided unless necessary, and watering can be delayed until the budding stage for better control. Deep plowing is another effective technique—by cutting part of the root system, it helps slow down rapid vegetative growth. If leggy growth is observed from the budding stage to early flowering, deep cultivation (12–16 cm) near the roots can help control the plant’s growth more effectively.
Chemical control using dinocycline is also a common and efficient method. The first application should take place during the budding stage, with a dosage of 0.3–0.8 grams per mu. Throughout the growing season, 3–4 applications may be required, following the principle of "light before heavy." Adjustments can be made based on local conditions and plant characteristics. Additionally, pruning can be used to reduce vegetative growth by removing some main stems and leaves when the plants become too tall. This helps restore balance between growth stages and improves overall yield.
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