What is the effect of excessive rainfall during the cotton's flowering stage?

Excessive rainfall during the flowering stage of cotton can significantly impact the crop's health and productivity. During this critical developmental phase, cotton plants are particularly vulnerable to water-related issues. One of the primary concerns with excessive moisture is the increased likelihood of boll rot. This condition arises when high humidity and wet conditions persist, creating an ideal environment for fungal pathogens that can infect the sensitive bolls, leading to decay and ultimately reducing the yield of the cotton crop.

Additionally, excessive rainfall may hinder pollination and flowering events. Cotton plants require a certain level of environmental stability during flowering to facilitate successful fertilization and subsequent boll formation. When the flowering stage is disrupted by excess rainfall, it can lead to incomplete pollination and a lower number of bolls per plant.

Overall, the combination of boll rot, reduced pollination, and the potential for lower overall yield from the plant clearly demonstrates why excessive rainfall during this stage is detrimental to cotton productivity.