Plant Hormone Increases Cotton Yields in Drought Conditions

Cytokinin, a plant growth hormone that promotes cell division and growth in plants, was found to effectively stimulate the growth of cotton stem and branches. The research conducted by John Burke, director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service Cropping Systems Research Laboratory in Lubbock, Texas found that one application of cytokinin produced a 5 to 10 percent increase in yields under water-reduced conditions. Application of the hormone in fully irrigated or rainy conditions does not affect the normal growth of the plant. In addition, the hormone can be applied during routine weed management practices early in the season.

Cytokinin is recommended to be applied to young cotton seedlings to be more effective. It is at this stage when they are stimulated to build bigger root system to access deep soil moisture. The hormone was also found to help reduce water loss by stimulating the growth of a protective wax on the surface of the plant.

The full story can be found at http://www.ars.usda.gov/News/docs.htm?docid=1261