What effects can late planting have on cotton crops?

Late planting of cotton crops can significantly increase their susceptibility to pests and result in reduced yields. When cotton is planted later in the season, it may not have enough time to fully develop before the onset of adverse weather conditions. This shortened growing season can lead to the plants being more stressed, making them less vigorous and more vulnerable to pest infestations.

Moreover, late planting often coincides with periods of increased pest pressure, as many pest populations peak during the warm months. This stress can also limit the plant’s ability to produce flowers and bolls, leading to reductions in overall yield. Additionally, the late planting can cause the cotton to mature during less favorable environmental conditions, such as cooler temperatures or an earlier frost, which can further compromise both yield and quality.

In contrast, options suggesting decreased water usage, improved crop health, or increased fiber quality typically do not align with the effects of late planting, as these aspects generally deteriorate rather than improve under such circumstances.