Impact of Natural Drought on Extra Long Staple Upland Genotypes in South Texas

Abstract- Extra long staple upland (ELSU) cotton phenotypes have been developed by the Cotton Improvement Lab at Texas A&M University. These and exceptional fiber bundle strength phenotypes were evaluated in the Cotton Variety Trials at locations in central and south Texas that received supplemental irrigation or no irrigation in 2013 and 2014. The ELSU phenotypes produced lower UHML under drought conditions yet remained significantly longer than the medium staple upland cultivars. The ELSU trait will provide a genetic mechanism for the production of competitive, non-discount upland cotton even under dryland production protocols.

Objective-  Quantify the impact of natural drought on UHML in extra long staple upland cotton compared with medium staple length cultivars in central and south Texas.