Fitormônios na cultura do algodão: funções, benefícios e condições de aplicação

Abstract

Vegetative growth, reproductive development, and fiber formation in cotton are regulated by complex hormonal interactions that directly influence the physiological and productive performance of the crop. Therefore, understanding the role of phytohormones in the metabolism and regulation of cotton plant development is essential for improving management strategies and maximizing productivity and fiber quality. This study aimed to gather and analyze recent scientific information on the functions, benefits, and application conditions of phytohormones and growth regulators, relating hormonal balance to the agronomic and technological performance of the crop. To this end, a literature review was conducted in specialized databases, encompassing scientific articles, technical publications, and books, mostly from the last ten years, selected carefully. The results demonstrate that these substances act in processes such as growth, flowering, fruiting, maturation, and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, enabling control of plant size, crop uniformity, earlier harvesting, reduced losses, and improved technological attributes of the fiber. It is also evident that the proper management of regulators, defoliants, ripening agents, and desiccants requires attention to the timing and application rates, climatic conditions, and harvesting logistics, as inappropriate use can compromise productivity and quality. It is concluded that the strategic use of these compounds constitutes a fundamental tool for modern cotton farming, contributing to greater productive efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness of Brazilian cotton