Harvest Timing and Techniques to Optimize Fiber Quality In the Texas High Plains

Cotton harvesting methodology in the Texas High Plains is critical for optimizing fiber quality. In 2009, a joint project was initiated between research personnel from USDA - ARS and the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Lubbock, Texas to compare various harvest timings and techniques. This project was repeated in 2010.  Treatments consisted of 1) green picker harvesting followed by conventional picker harvesting, 2) green picker harvesting followed by conventional stripper harvesting, 3) conventional once-over picker harvesting, and 4) conventional stripper harvesting. Treatments were evaluated for lint yield, fiber quality and spinnability.