From this, numerous calculations can be made. Height node ratio and growth rate can be calculated and used in plant growth regulator decisions. Percent square retention can be calculated and used to help determine insect control thresholds and control strategies. Height, node of first fruiting branch, total nodes and square retention are the key measurements. Node of first fruiting branch will indicate timeliness of season.
Total nodes can age the crop.
In fact, I can get a much better image of the field situation if the caller tells me that they have a problem and the cotton has 12 nodes rather than saying the crop is about four weeks old. Percent square retention is critical to making sound insect control decisions. As the crop moves into bloom, plant size is getting larger. If you do not concentrate only on the keep components, you will get lost in the exercise, confused, frustrated and quit. If detail records are taken, plant height should be taken from the same plants from which nodes and fruit counts are made.