The heavy rainfall during this season helps fertilizers work more effectively, which can lead to excessive or overly vigorous cotton plant growth. To prevent the plants from growing too wild and unmanageable, here are some effective strategies:
1. **Remove axillary buds and perform timely topping** to control the main stem's growth. This helps reduce unnecessary nutrient consumption by upper branches and encourages better boll development. Topping is typically done in mid to late July.
2. **Regulate fertilizer and water supply**. If the field has already received sufficient base fertilizer and early seedling fertilizer, it's best to apply less or no additional fertilizer. At the same time, ensure proper drainage by clearing ditches to avoid waterlogging, which can harm the plants.
3. **Use chemical sprays for growth control**, such as acetaminophen or auxin. These help improve the plant structure and promote more buds. During the early flowering stage, you can mix 6–8 ml of a supplement or 1.5–2 g of ketamine with 25–28 kg of water for spraying. In the flowering period (late July to early August), use 3 grams of ketamine per acre mixed with 30–40 kg of water. It’s best to spray in the late afternoon or early morning to avoid high-temperature evaporation. If heavy rain occurs after spraying, reapply but reduce the dosage by half.
By following these steps, farmers can maintain healthy and productive cotton plants, ensuring better yields and quality. Proper management during the rainy season is crucial to avoid overgrowth and maximize the benefits of the natural conditions.
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