It is very important that practices to help retain squares be used under this situation. Monitor the field closely to determine the potential for using PIX . Early fruiting could potentially result in early cutout if water and nitrogen are limited. When an early fruit set is noted, manage the plant to gain size and additional fruiting sites, thereby increasing yield potential. Square Retention Pre-bloom square retention is the most important factor in yield and also most easily controlled by management.
Squares represent almost the entire developmental phase of the cotton boll.
By the time squares reach bloom, a miniature boll has already formed. Squares have a complex growth pattern and are more sensitive to injury than bolls, but are not as sensitive as bolls to nutrient or carbohydrate stress. This difference in square sensitivity helps maintain an adequate supply of undamaged squares. Monitoring square retention and development provides a basis for determining the need for management practices to protect early squares and bolls. The major cause of pre-bloom square shed is insect injury.