Arizona Upland Cotton Variety Testing Program, 1996

Abstract

Eleven field experiments were conducted in many of the cotton growing areas of Arizona in 1996 for the purpose of evaluating Upland cotton varieties in terms of adaptability and performance. Five commercial cottonseed companies participated in the program. Two varieties were submitted from each company at each location. Experiments were conducted on a commercial level on grower - cooperator fields in most cases. Locations used in the program spanned the range of conditions common to cotton producing areas of the state from about 100 ft. to 4,000 ft. elevation. Results indicated a broad range of adaptability and competitiveness. The 1996 season offered some extremes in terms of weather conditions, with very hot summer temperatures, particularly in July and August. The hot summer weather conditions were primarily difficult in relation to higher humidities (dewpoints) with high night and daytime temperatures. Variety performance under these extremes offers an opportunity for review and compare with regard to adaptability, or what is commonly referred to as "heat tolerance". The 1996 season was very similar in this respect. Each of the participating seed companies offer a compliment of varieties that can serve to match various production strategies commonly employed in the state as well as showing a strong capacity to be regionally adaptive.