Dryland and Irrigated Commercial Variety Testing in Central and South Texas in 2012

Dryland and Irrigated Commercial Variety Testing in Central and South Texas in 2012 Approximately 63 commercial varieties were evaluated in replicated trials at seven locations. The objective of these trials is to provide seed companies and producers with independent evaluation of available cotton cultivars. Locations included four irrigated and six dryland tests. For each test, lint yield, lint fraction, and HVI fiber data were ascertained. Harvest at most locations was generally dry without complications. Comparisons among varieties under irrigated and dryland conditions suggest a genotype x environmental interaction. In 2012, the growing season was dry but not too extreme. Last years extreme drought did cause an unforeseen problem with irrigation at one test site which had to be abandoned due to salty water. Rains in South Texas were generally timely. Temperatures were normal at each location in 2012. There were no abnormal diseases and the greatest insect pest damage was from flea hoppers at most locations.