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Plant Science Today (PST)

Review Articles

Early Access

Thidiazuron as a defoliant to facilitate mechanical harvesting in cotton: A comprehensive review

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.4776
Submitted
22 August 2024
Published
12-01-2025
Versions

Abstract

Cotton is primarily cultivated for its commercial fiber, which plays a significant role in India’s agro-industrial sector. It is one of the primary raw materials for producing feed, oil, fiber, and biofuel. Currently, farmers in India widely employ machine harvesters to harvest cotton. However, excessive leaf vegetation poses challenges in boll picking, adversely affecting fiber quality and reducing mechanical harvesting efficiency. Various chemical defoliants are applied to remove leaves before harvesting to address this issue. These defoliants promote leaf shedding, minimize debris in the cotton, and enhance boll opening and picking efficiency. Thidiazuron is a potent hormonal defoliant used in cotton to induce defoliation by increasing ethylene production while inhibiting the synthesis and transport of auxins. Notably, it interferes with the crosstalk between the phytohormones, such as cytokinin and ethylene, which regulates cotton defoliation. The method and timing of defoliant application are crucial for improving cotton harvesting efficiency. This review aims to provide a clear understanding of thidiazuron’s application in synchronizing harvests, ultimately supporting the mechanization of cotton harvesting.

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