In recent years, the widespread adoption of insect-resistant cotton has led to an increasing occurrence of premature aging in cotton plants. Compared to non-insect-resistant varieties, insect-resistant cotton is more prone to early senescence. One of the main reasons for this issue is that insect-resistant cotton effectively controls bollworm infestations, reducing bud loss and promoting vigorous reproductive growth. This leads to earlier and more abundant bolls, which consume a significant amount of the plant’s nutrients, making it more susceptible to early aging.
Additionally, the introduction of insect-resistant genes can weaken the plant's natural resistance to diseases, further contributing to premature aging. Soil fertility and fertilization practices also play a crucial role. Insect-resistant cotton requires better soil conditions and balanced nutrient supply to maintain health and productivity. To prevent early aging, it's essential to address these underlying causes with targeted management strategies.
Crop rotation is one of the most effective ways to prevent premature aging. It helps improve soil structure, increase fertility, and reduce disease pressure. Incorporating organic fertilizers and returning straw to the field can enhance soil quality, water retention, and overall plant resilience, reducing stress-related aging.
Early pruning of cotton fields, such as removing early buds in mid-June, can help balance vegetative and reproductive growth. By removing 4 to 8 early buds from the lower fruit branches, farmers can promote healthier growth and higher yields. Field trials in Weifang over four years showed that timely pruning reduced bud and deadlock numbers by 47.6% and 46.7%, respectively, while improving fiber quality and yield.
Proper irrigation during the bud stage is also important. In the Huanghuai region, applying nitrogen fertilizer around mid-June helps establish a strong plant structure. Farmers often say, “If cotton is watered after wheat harvest, there’s no difference between the tenth and the tenth year.†Ensuring adequate moisture is key to maintaining healthy growth.
During flowering and boll formation, cotton needs more nutrients. Applying 15–20 kg of compound fertilizer per acre at this stage supports high yields. Foliar sprays of NPK solution 2–3 times during late July to early August can also help prevent early aging. Watering should be done promptly during dry spells, and drainage must be ensured during rainy periods to avoid root suffocation.
Protecting the roots and leaves is another critical step. After the mid-fertility stage, avoiding deep cultivation helps prevent damage and delays aging. Insect-resistant cotton often has weaker vegetative growth, so keeping the vegetative branches intact increases the plant’s nutrient production capacity.
Finally, using pesticides wisely is essential. Diseases like red spider mites and stem blight often appear later in the season. Overuse of chemicals can harm leaves and accelerate aging. Instead, using natural predators and choosing safe, low-concentration pesticides helps protect foliage and extend its functional life. Proper pesticide use ensures long-term plant health and better yields.
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