ABSTRACT

The fiber length of cotton varieties grown across the state of Texas has historically reduced the price received in both domestic and international markets. The future of the Texas cotton industry is dependent upon the development of commercial varieties that produce superior fiber quality and commercially competitive lint yields. Mutagenesis has allowed us to quickly incorporate superior lint quality into cotton varieties adapted to the rigorous condition of the Texas High Plains. These enhanced fiber quality mutants look almost identical to the original varieties and have the same relative maturity. We also used these mutants in crosses with high fiber quality germplasm populations to simultaneously improve lint yield and quality. The lines with enhancement in fiber quality developed throughout this program will allow our growers to compete in both domestic and export markets previously reserved for Acala and Pima cotton varieties.