Hebei Cotton Seedling Management Technical Advice
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August 18 07:27:55, 2025
Editor's Note: Currently, cotton in Hebei Province is gradually entering the seedling stage. To ensure effective management of cotton seedlings, the Provincial Department of Agriculture organized a team of provincial cotton experts to inspect the emergence of cotton in Fujian, Xingtai, Hengshui, and Quzhou. Due to recent unusual weather conditions—characterized by heavy rainfall and low temperatures—the emergence of cotton has been affected. After field analysis and consultation, the group has issued the "Technical Opinions on Cotton Seedling Management in Hebei Province in 2008," which is now being published and disseminated as soon as possible.
At present, Hebei Province is transitioning from south to north into the seedling stage. Field inspections show that this year’s cotton planting base is better than in previous years, with a higher emergence rate. Over 85% of the cotton fields have successfully emerged. However, due to excessive rainfall and low temperatures in key cotton-growing areas, some regions experienced poor germination and weak, uneven seedlings. The growth of the plants has been slow, and there are concerns about diseases such as blight and anthracnose, which are more severe than in past years. Additionally, some fields have already seen locust infestations.
In response to these challenges and the current climate conditions, the following technical measures are recommended for localized and scientific management, with the goal of cultivating strong, healthy seedlings:
First, check the seedlings and fill in any gaps. If there are large areas of missing plants, it is best to transplant seedlings to ensure uniform coverage. For small gaps (no more than three consecutive missing plants), two plants can be retained or leaf shoots (also known as cramps) can be used to fill in the spaces.
Second, cultivate the soil to improve its looseness and increase ground temperature, especially after rain. This helps reduce soil compaction, raise soil temperature, and suppress seedling diseases. The depth of cultivation should not exceed 5 cm.
Third, thin out dense seedlings and nurture the stronger ones. In fields where seedlings are too thick, it is important to thin them out when they have developed their first true leaf. Remove weak seedlings to prevent tall, leggy growth. Given the cooler temperatures in May, it is advisable to delay the pinching (Dingmiao) process until the plants have three true leaves.
Fourth, implement multiple strategies to prevent and control pests and diseases. A combination of agronomic practices and chemical treatments is recommended. For current issues like blight and anthracnose, measures such as soil cultivation can help increase ground temperature and aid in the recovery of infected seedlings. In the coming weeks, close attention should be paid to the occurrence of locusts, thrips, and other pests. Specifically, when the rolling leaf rate reaches 5%, chemical control using 10% abamectin can be applied at a dosage of 15–20 grams per acre, with two applications spaced seven days apart.
Fifth, remove the mulch film in a timely manner to promote root development. It is recommended to remove the film in mid-June using the late removal method. However, the definitive removal should be done in May, allowing time for proper root development and the cultivation of strong seedlings.
Sixth, apply scientific growth regulation. For weak cotton plots, avoid chemical interventions during the seedling stage. In areas with heavy rainfall and rapid water accumulation, it is important to prevent tall, elongated seedlings. Spraying with foliar agents can help control growth, with no more than 0.5 grams per acre used. The principle is to spray only when necessary and avoid over-application.