ABSTRACT

During the 2004 growing season, Delta and Pine Land Company will introduce a new, early maturing, picker Bollgard II and Roundup Ready variety, DP 424 BGII/RR. DP 424 BGII/RR is a medium plant height variety with smooth leaf trait, and good storm resistance. DP 424 BGII/RR was developed from the SG 215 BG/RR germplasm pool, using the backcross method. The yield and the crop value of DP 424 BGII/RR was not different than any of the 4 comparison stacked varieties (SG 215 BG/RR, DP 451 B/RR, FM 989BR, and ST 4646B2R). The staple, micronaire and fiber strength of DP 424 BGII/RR were improved compared to SG 215 BG/RR and the loan value of DP 424 BGII/RR was significantly increased by 1.5 cents per pound compared to SG 215 BG/RR. The performance of DP 424 BGII/RR on a regional basis was not different than DP 451 B/RR. Seed supply is expected to be good for commercial introduction in 2004.