Profitability of Short Season Cotton Genotypes on the High Plains of Texas

Abstract

The short growing season, dry climate, and limited precipitation reduce the yield and quality of cotton grown on the High Plains of Texas.  As irrigation water levels decline in the southern counties of the High Plains of Texas, cotton production will probably move northward to areas with greater underground water levels.  Freezing temperatures in late spring and early fall in these northern counties require that cotton be planted in late May and mature before mid-October.  Developing genotypes that combine early maturity with high lint yield and improved fiber quality will be critical for successful cotton production in these areas.  Chemical mutagenesis was used to produce 18 mutant lines, which were compared with seven commercial varieties for lint yield, fiber quality, fiber market price, and gross return when planted at Lubbock, TX on July 3rd of 2000 and 2001.  Three mutants, SC 9023-11, Holland 338-6, and GSA 1093-61 produced equivalent lint yields, higher fiber quality, and improved market price than PM 183, the earliest maturing commercial variety in these trials.   Economic analyses indicate these mutants could improve the profitability of short season cotton grown on the Texas High Plains.