Short season cotton in the San Joaquin Valley

The threat of pink bollworm and yield decline in the San Joaquin Valley have prompted investigations into more efficient production practices to permit growing the crop in less time. Higher plant populations planted in rows narrower than the conventional 38–40-inch row spacings have a potential for shortening the fruiting period, a requirement for reducing the time it takes to grow the crop. Preliminary studies indicate that varieties developed specifically for this system of production will be needed.