High-temperature trends in the low desert of Arizona can have a severe negative impact on cotton production. Heat stress indices have been developed for tracking the effects on cotton fruiting patterns and ultimately yields. The current research evaluates the effects of level two heat stress (L2: crop canopy temperature above 86 degrees Fahrenheit) on flower formation, pollen shed, fruit retention and distribution, and yield. The overall objective of the current work is to develop a set of infield measurements that can accurately describe the heat tolerance level of a given variety of cotton.
