CONDUÇÃO FITOTÉCNICA E REGULAÇÃO DO CRESCIMENTO DO ALGODOEIRO NO CERRADO GOIANO

Abstract

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is the most important crop for global textile fiber production; however, its adaptation to contemporary commercial cultivation has not eliminated its indeterminate growth habit. This physiological trait results in a temporal overlap between vegetative and reproductive development, generating severe internal competition for photoassimilates. In this context, the present study aimed to review the literature on the use of plant growth regulators, with an emphasis on mepiquat chloride, and to relate the acquired knowledge to the practical management of the crop under field conditions. The literature review showed that, when unmanaged, cotton growth forms a dense and humid canopy, which reduces photosynthetic efficiency due to self-shading and increases the floral bud abscission rate. From a phytosanitary perspective, this microclimate meets the epidemiological requirements for pathogen infection and hinders Integrated Pest Management (IPM), serving as a shelter for insects such as the cotton boll weevil. To mitigate these biological factors, agronomic literature advocates the use of synthetic plant growth regulators, notably mepiquat chloride. This molecule acts by inhibiting gibberellin biosynthesis, reducing cell elongation and shortening internodes. The present literature review demonstrates that hormonal modulation promotes a compact plant architecture, optimizing aeration, light incidence, and the efficiency of chemical spraying. It is concluded that the use of plant growth regulators, combined with proper agronomic management, constitutes a practice aimed at promoting yield, operational efficiency, and the technological quality of cotton production.