In addition to yield, fiber quality is an important component to the value and marketability of cotton in our state and should be considered when selecting varieties. The table in the link below illustrates the average fiber quality values for each variety across all on-farm trials in 2022. Parameters include lint percentage, micronaire (MIC), fiber length (LEN), fiber strength (STR), length uniformity (UI), color grade, leaf grade, and trash.

Varieties in the table above are sorted according to Lint percentage (gin turnout).  As you can see, fiber quality for nearly all varieties in this program were good to excellent, on average.  Not surprisingly though, given the summer weather, there were a few instance of high micronaire, and to a lesser degree, short staple.  There may be a minor variety influence on these quality parameters in some cases, however, the incidences of high mic and short staple were clearly more common in a lower yielding trials that encountered severe and prolonged drought stress, suggesting a stronger environmental influence as the primary reason.  Leaf and trash grades were also a little higher this year.  There may be a minor variety influence on these as well, but environmental causes are more likely in most cases. In the large majority of trials, several varieties resulted in fiber quality that was well within the acceptable ranges, and occasionally in the premium range, which is something to be celebrated.

Again, results from the on-farm program along with OVT will be discussed in much greater detail during the upcoming winter meetings, so be sure to attend one near you. Also, we want to again reiterate our appreciation to all of our leadership organizations (NC Cotton Producers Association, NCDA&CS, NC State, Cotton Inc.) and Seed Companies for their efforts and support in this program for the benefit of all North Carolina cotton growers, as well the diligence and hard work that our county agents, consultants, and cooperating growers put into this program during 2022. This program was a success again in 2022 due to the efforts of all involved and we look forward to another year of this program in 2023!