ABSTRACT
Four regional focus/forum groups of researchers and growers developed regional research priorities for cotton production. National priorities were developed in a fifth workshop. Continued research was recommended in many of the areas identified in the 1979 National Cotton Research Task Force Report, particularly all research related to pest control: chemical, cultural, biological and genetic. The economics of insect, weed and disease control, as well as issues of environmental safety, policy and public education were primary concerns. Cultural practices which can increase the biological efficiency of the plant, as well as breeding of varieties which can increase yield or lower cost to the producer were also high priorities. Environmental stress continues to rob growers of yield, and remained a priority area. Improved classing, grading and development of more marketable fiber was also a recurrent concern. Eventual improvement of raw seed quality, as well as planting seed quality, was important. Decision support systems and expert systems as well as generally improved communication between research and production, was also key.
|