Prediction of cotton leaf curl virus disease at different potassium dosses based on abiotic environmental factors and sowing dates

Abstract Cotton is a major cash crop that is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the globe. Cotton leaf curl virus disease is a major threat to lower the cotton yield in Pakistan. The present study aimed to predict the disease severity at different potassium (K) dosses based on abiotic environmental factors with respect to two sowing times. Three potassium (K) doses (90, 60, and 30 kg acre−1) were applied to observe the impact on disease severity. In control, no extra K was applied. Two sowings were done at 15 days intervals. Data was recorded using at seven days intervals after the appearance of the disease. A significant difference in disease severity was observed in K applied cotton plants and between the two sowing times. Maximum disease severity was noticed in control plants and was found maximum where 90 kg acre−1 K was applied. Maximum air temperature, minimum air temperature, rainfall, and windspeed exhibited a negative relationship with disease severity. A positive relationship was seen between disease severity and relative humidity irrespective to sowing times. In 1st sowing, maximum air temperature (35–38 °C), minimum air temperature (23–24 °C), relative humidity (65–75%), rainfall (1–2 mm), and windspeed (1.5–2.5 km/h) significantly contributed in disease progression. In second sowing, maximum air temperature (34–36 °C), minimum air temperature (19–21 °C), relative humidity (75–78%), rainfall (0.5–1.5 mm), and windspeed (1.5–2.5 km/h) favoured the disease development.