The 1985 data on cotton disease loss estimated and compiled by Dr. William Gazaway, Committee Chairman, 1986 Cotton Production Research Conferences, was 1,296,634 bales with the last five years averaging a loss of 1,282,287 bales (Table 1). A 3.0 micronaire crop which is essentially a measure of weight would amount to a $188,867,000 loss in the twenty-three (23) counties of the Texas High Plains. For example, a 3.0 crop is 92 pounds lighter per acre than a 3.8 crop.

The goal of 120 days early maturing cotton varieties along with a maturity reading of 85% and better, 3.0 - 3.8 micronaire, a 35 gram/tex strength, 1" to 1-3/32" length, only 4% barkies, and a seed grade index of 110 would give the cotton farmer a competitive edge world-wide.