ABSTRACT

A new, early-maturing picker variety, DP 444 BG/RR, will be available in significant commercial quantities by Delta and Pine Land Company in the 2004 season. DP 444 BG/RR was developed from diverse germplasm by Dr. Curtis Williams in Stuttgart, AR. Growth habit for DP 444 BG/RR was very similar to that of PM 1218 BG/RR, but maturity was slightly earlier for DP 444 BG/RR compared to PM 1218 BG/RR. DP 444 BG/RR has produced similar or better yields than the leading early-maturing BG/RR varieties available commercially, while also producing fiber with excellent quality potential. Micronaire for DP 444 BG/RR has been significantly lower than most of the leading early-maturing BG/RR varieties across a wide geographic area. Similarly, staple length, fiber strength, and uniformity values for DP 444 BG/RR have been as good as or better than most of the early-maturing BG/RR varieties currently commercially available. DP 444 BG/RR has the potential to produce the high yields and high crop value per acre demanded by the growers and the excellent fiber quality demanded by the textile industry.