Results from two cotton variety trials in Nueces County, including yield and lint quality data are complete and the good yields are reflective of good growing conditions in 2010.  Recently cotton prices have moved well above $1 per pound and this should increase the acreage for the 2011 crop in the Coastal Bend.  Selecting the best suited variety for your farm remains one of the most important early decisions you can make as you plan for next year’s crop.

A Uniformed Stacked-Gene Variety Trial was conducted with Jim Massey IV, just northeast of Petronila.  The plots were planted on March 27 with three replicates per variety in a randomized complete block design on 30-inch rows. 

Trial results

This dryland test was harvested by machine on August 27, 2010.  There were ten varieties in the test.  The test averaged just over 1,263 pounds of seed cotton per acre.  The best two performing varieties (no statistical difference between the two) were FiberMax 1740 B2F at 1,446 pounds per acre with a loan value of $0.537 per pound and DeltaPine 0920 B2RF at 1,403 pounds per acre with a loan value of $0.5118 per pound.

Other varieties in this test and their yields were as follows; ST 5458 B2RF at 1,315 pounds per acre; PHY 367 WRF at 1,280 pounds per acre; ST 4288 B2RF at 1,251 pounds per acre; PHY 375 WRF at 1,231 pounds per acre; CL 3220 B2RF at 1,208 pounds per acre; DP 1032 B2RF at 1,186 pounds per acre; FM 9160 B2F at 1,167 pounds per acre; and AT Apex B2RF at 1,150 pounds per acre. 

Overall lint values per acre of this test (using the loan value) ranged from $616.70 to $776.30 per acre.

Liberty Link trial

A Liberty Link Cotton Variety Trial was conducted with Darrell Lawhon, east of Bishop.  The plots were planted on March 26 with three replicates per variety in a randomized complete block design on 38-inch rows.  This dryland test was harvested on August 17, 2010 by machine.

Six varieties in this test averaged more than 1,140 pounds of seed cotton per acre.

The best two performing varieties (no statistical difference between the two) were FiberMax 1845 LLB2 at 1,269 pounds per acre with a loan value of $0.5198 per pound, and FiberMax 835 LLB2 at 1,223 pounds per acre with a loan value of $0.5418 per pound.

Other varieties in this test and their yields were as follows: FM 1015 LLB2 at 1,122 pounds per acre; FM 1035 LLB2 at 1,094 pounds per acre; FM 1025 LLB2 at 1,076 pounds per acre; and FM 1773 LLB2 at 1,059 pounds per acre. 

Overall the lint values per acre of this test (using the loan value) ranged from $544 to $659.70 per acre.

These tests would not be possible without the cooperation and support of local farmers and various seed companies.  More detailed information about these tests can be obtained from the Nueces County Extension Office or can also be found on the web at   http://nueces-tx.tamu.edu/pubcat.cfm?COUNTY=Nueces&CatID=2757

For more information contact the Nueces County Extension Office at 361-767-5223.