Action potential of ethrel (2-cbloroethanophosphonic acid) in inducing boll dehiscence in cotton (Gossypiun arboreum L. Cv. G.27) has been tested. Dehiscence preceding complete opening of the bolls was found to be associated with dehydration and rapid desiccation of the tissues. Soaking of cotton bolls in 500 ppm ethrel solution for 30 minutes proved to be the best treatment for a rapid completion of dehiscence process of cotton bolls and complete seed cotton recovery without any adverse effect on the quality of the fibre. Intensity of boll dehiscence due to ethrel soaking was transcended with an increase of boll age.
