The Impact of Variety and Location on the Quality of Georgia Cotton

The purpose of this study was to cooperate with Georgia cotton producers to find a variety to replace DP555 having equal or better yield with outstanding fiber and spinning performance.  Based on previous field trials, six promising varieties of cotton were planted in six counties in Georgia.  After harvesting, all seed cottons were delivered to the UGA Tifton MicroGin for processing under identical conditions. The ginned lint was then baled and sent to the USDA Cotton Quality Research Station, Clemson for pertinent fiber tests and both ring and rotor spinning trials.  Results of the tests were quite satisfactory especially in light of the significant rainfall prior to harvest.  Overall yield was good with no significant differences between the varieties averaged over the six counties.  In general, fiber quality was good to excellent with a large number of instances of premiums and only very few discounts. Yarn quality was quite good, especially in the case of the carded ring yarns. Four of the six cottons performed well in both ring and rotor, it being noteworthy that these had the lower short fiber content.