Integrated Approach to Breeding for Enhanced Utilization of West Texas Cotton

Our overall objective is to provide the textile industry with a raw material that processes more efficiently and makes better textile products (yarn and fabrics), this without compromising the cotton crop yield. The current focus of this study is to evaluate the effects of irrigation level and ginning method on the fiber quality of 4 experimental lines and two commercial check varieties. Lines developed in previous research will be used in this integrated approach to investigate fiber maturity. Demonstrating genetic/production/processing combinations that result in less fiber breakage and fewer imperfections will show the importance of fiber testing strategy in a breeding program. Research objectives and design will be presented along with preliminary fiber data.