ABSTRACT

Phytogen Seed Co. LLC has introduced a new Acala variety that exhibits high yield potential in the San Joaquin Valley, CA. PHY 78 Acala was developed by the Phytogen Seed Co. breeding program at Corcoran, CA since 1993 and is widely adapted in the central-west side through the northwest areas of the San Joaquin Valley, CA. The key objective in developing PHY 78 was to develop a Acala variety which would capture the full-season potential of the SJV and product consistent high yield. Over three years (2000 - 2002) of Advanced Strains Testing by Phytogen, PHY 78 yielded significantly more than Maxxa (the San Joaquin Valley Cotton Board standard Acala variety) by one hundred twenty nine pounds of lint per acre (a yield advantage of eight percent). In trials conducted by the San Joaquin Valley Cotton Board (SJVCB) and the UC Cooperative Extension, PHY 78 also yielded significantly more than Maxxa. PHY 78 fiber qualities are equal to that of Maxxa while fiber micronaire is significantly improved. The significantly lower micronaire of PHY 78 is proven to the advantage in that PHY 78 fiber is significantly finer and more mature than Maxxa. This attribute is highly desired by end users in spinning and textile manufacturing.