Aventis Crop Science will release new stripper FiberMax cotton varieties in 2001, including FM 5015, tested as AVS9416 and FM 5017, tested as AVS9423. These varieties began initial development in the former SeedCo breeding program, and were selected as elite strains by Aventis Cottonseed Research, at the Lubbock, TX, breeding station. FM 5015 and FM 5017 will be among the first Aventis variety introductions in the stripper market and are targeted to early and mid- season production in the High Plains. These varieties provide adaptability to short season production management combined with excellent yield potential and good fiber quality.