Hormone hikes cotton yields in droughts

The researchers, led by John Burke, director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Cropping Systems Research Laboratory in Lubbock, Texas, said cytokinins are known to promote cell division and growth in plants. Commercially produced cytokinins are routinely applied in apple and pistachio orchards to promote fruit growth.

But in the recent study, Burke discovered applying cytokinins to cotton crops can increase yields in water-limited environments with reduced irrigation or no irrigation.

Burke said tests determined one application of cytokinins produced a 5 percent to 10 percent increase in yields under water-reduced conditions. Additionally, tests determined cytokinins didn't help or hinder yields under fully irrigated or rainy conditions, thereby making it safe for use in all weather environments.

The researcher said to be effective, the cytokinins should be applied at a relatively low concentration to cotton seeds or to cotton plants at an early stage of development.

The USDA's Agriculture Research Service said it's working with commercial companies to make the material available to cotton growers.

Burke has been granted a patent for his discovery.

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