Question

Give reasons for the following statement.

Cotton needs to be picked immediately after the bolls burst.

Answer 1

1. The yield and quality of the fiber decrease due to prolonged exposure to weather.
2. The open bolls become contaminated by dust and soil if they fall or catch windblown debris.
3. Pests and diseases may increase as open, soft fibers easily attract destructive insects.
4. The cotton strands become weak and brittle under harsh, continuous sunlight, affecting spinning strength.
5. Processing and cleaning requirements increase significantly to remove embedded field trash during ginning.
6. Delayed harvesting may cause gradual deterioration of the crop’s market value due to staining and yellowing.