Comparative Performance of Obsolete Varieties and Current Varieties of Upload Cotton¹

Abstract

We evaluated 13 obsolete cotton varieties and three current commercial varieties for yield, agronomic, and fiber properties over a 2‐year period, (1967 to 1968), determine what genetic improvements the new varieties had over come of the older ones. The current commercial varieties yielded approximately 112 kg/ha more lint than the best obsolete variety. Most obsolete varieties yielded 124‐448 kg/ha less lint than the commercial check varieties. These data indicated that varieties exhibiting increased yield potential had higher lint percentages, smaller bolls, smaller seed, and higher micronaire values. Increases in lint percentage have played a major role in increasing yield. Iriber properties of varieties currently grown were better than those of some old varieties, but inferior to those of others. Advances in fiber properties have not been as rapid as advances in yield.