Continuing R&D efforts result in better options

High yields and high quality fiber are two must-haves for any cotton producer who wants maximum profits. Because of continued research at the FiberMax® cotton seed breeding stations in Leland, Mississippi, Sellers, South Carolina, and Lubbock, Texas, FiberMax will offer new cottonseed varieties in 2007 that have the potential for high yields and high lint quality.

“These breeding stations let us select, develop and evaluate new varieties for optimal performance in widely variable soil types and environmental conditions,” said Steve P. Nichols, U.S. agronomic manager for FiberMax.

Nichols noted that more than 120 cotton growers across the Southwestern U.S. have joined the FiberMax One Ton Club since its formation in 2005. Cotton growers qualify for the One Ton Club by producing a minimum of 2,000 pounds of ginned cotton per acre on a minimum of 20 acres planted to a FiberMax variety.

Ten FiberMax varieties are currently considered One Ton Club varieties, and Nichols said new varieties for 2007 have the potential to join the list.

“Before any new variety ends up in a FiberMax bag, it must meet the high standards we’ve set,” he said.

In particular, Nichols noted the following new FiberMax varieties for 2007 that are adapted for Southwest growing conditions:

• FM 955LLB2 is an early maturing variety with LibertyLink® and Bollgard® II technologies. It has an early fruiting habit, compact plant type and large, storm-tolerant bolls. It produces excellent fiber length, above-average fiber strength and micronaire that rarely falls in the discount range. It has good adaptation to the Southern High Plains and short-season areas of the Coastal Bend.
   

• FM 9063B2F is an early-medium maturing variety Bollgard II and Roundup Ready® Flex technology. It is easy to manage with low amounts of plant regulators and has a large boll type with excellent fiber quality. It performs consistently across sandy and silt loams with irrigation.
   

• FM 1880B2F is a full-maturing variety with Bollgard II and Roundup Ready Flex technology. Management will require plant regulators early in growthy soil types. It produces medium-open bolls and has a good fiber quality package.
   

• FM 9058F is an early maturing variety with Roundup Ready® Flex technology. It is selected for adaptation to the Southern High Plains and offers growers in this area excellent yield potential and fiber quality. It has a compact plant type and large, storm-tolerant bolls.

Nichols added that new varieties that will be released in limited testing quantities include FM 9180B2F and FM 9150F — watch for them in 2007 and beyond. Additionally, the following new okra leaf varieties are available: FM 835LLB2, FM 840B2F and FM 820F. Visit www.cottonexperts.com for more information.

Bayer CropScience LP is the U.S. business of Bayer CropScience, which has its global headquarters in Monheim, Germany. Bayer CropScience, a subsidiary of Bayer AG with annual sales of about EUR 6 billion, is one of the world’s leading innovative crop science companies in the areas of crop protection, non-agricultural pest control, seeds and plant biotechnology. The company offers an outstanding range of products and extensive service backup for modern, sustainable agriculture and for non-agricultural applications. Bayer CropScience has a global workforce of about 19,000 and is represented in more than 120 countries, ensuring proximity to dealers and consumers.