A NOTE ON THE GROWTH BEHAVIOR OF COTTON BOLLS

Abstract

The growth pattern of 5 vars. of cotton bolls was measured by obtaining continuous records of diameter variations during the period of boll development. In the enlargement phase of growth, bolls responded more to temp. changes than to water stress, the young bolls continuing to increase in size when the leaves were severely wilted. As bolls approached full size they decreased in diam. during periods of rapid transpiration and, if soil moisture was not deficient recovered their original size during the night. Bolls of different vars. exhibited similar growth patterns.