2004 Arizona Cotton Growers Breeding Program Preliminary Strains Testing Program

Abstract

An Upland Cotton Breeding Program was initiated in 2001 by the Arizona Cotton Growers Association (ACGA). Major objectives of the breeding program are to develop varieties that produce a superior fiber quality package, high yields, and under a wide range of environmental conditions. In 2004, the seed committee of the ACGA decided to begin an independent testing program in order to quantify the performance of chosen lines developed to date that were meeting the program’s goals. Forty one lines were chosen and evaluated in replicated small plots at two locations including Yuma and Maricopa, AZ. The final data was sorted according to lines that at both locations had a fiber micronaire of 4.9 or less, staple length of 37 or greater, strength of 30 g/tx or greater, a uniformity index of 80 or greater, and yielded in the top 25% of all tested materials. One line was identified according to this criteria, 0122-2033-304.