Performance of Bollgard II® Upland Cotton Strains in Arizona

Abstract

Experimental strains containing the Bollgard II® gene construct have been developed in upland cotton through transformation of DP50B. We evaluated the field performance of two of these new strains at four locations in Arizona. Lint yields of these two lines compare favorably with the parent material used to develop the lines (DP50B), but are significantly lower than other conventional and transgenic varieties that are adapted to Arizona. Fiber quality was not compromised in the Bollgard II strains. In fact, one line, 15813, produced fiber that was of superior quality to DP50B. One of the lines (15985) was similar to DP50B for all traits measured in this test. These results show that the Bollgard II gene construct does not, in itself, compromise agronomic performance. Thus, it should be possible to successfully place Bollgard II into other varieties that are adapted to Arizona in order to produce an agronomically superior variety with the added benefit of the Bollgard II technology.