Abstract
Cotton fibre quality is being deteriorated day by day due to various reasons and shortage/ poor quality of irrigation water is
one of the reasons for the low quality of cotton fibre. The effect of the stress of water can be seen on the fibre length, strength
and elongation. All these properties of fibre have also a significant influence on yarn characteristics and thus the yarn quality
is also dependent on agronomic practices including irrigation. When new varieties are evolved it becomes necessary to
examine such cotton varieties keenly, so that one which reflects maximum agricultural as well as industrial benefits can be
recommended. The present study was planned to explore the spinning performance of various cotton varieties under different
water quality treatments and water stress levels. Cotton of four varieties (CIM-501, CIM-496, CIM-499, and NIAB-111)
under different types of irrigation water (canal water and tube well water) and different water stress levels (75ET, 100ET and
125ET) were selected for this research. The effect of these treatments was investigated on cotton fibre span length, strength
and fibre elongation as well as on yarn quality. The study revealed that effect of different cotton varieties, water types and
water stress levels on fibre and yarn quality was highly significant. Yarn characteristics showed greater values for the canal
water similarly fibre length and elongations were better for canal water. Yarn tensile properties were decreased with increase
in the water stress. The overall results indicated that the cotton variety NIAB-111 performed better as compared to other
varieties. It is suggested that the cotton farmers may be trained by the agri. extension staff regarding maintenance of fibre
quality through cultural practices and better irrigation techniques.
