---

The primitive cultivated forms of species of Gossypion herbaceum (L), race acerifolium is found in Ethiopia. Cotton is widely grown in Ethiopia in irrigated low lands on large scale basis and in warmer mid altitude on small scale farms under rain fed conditions. The exact total area under cotton production is estimated to be 75,900 ha. Nitrogen contributes to yield responses through its effect on the growth and reproductive behavior of cotton plants. In cotton, a considerable portion of the plants assimilate can be partitioned to non reproductive plant part rather than to fruiting structures (lint and seed located in bolls). The application of too much nitrogen can result in the development of excessive vegetative growth at the expense of lint fiber production. Hence, a study was conducted by Tekalign Ayisse, a former M.Sc. student at Mekelle University under my supervision to investigate the response of cotton to N fertilizer rates under irrigated conditions in middle Awash of Ethiopia.

---