High yields and high quality fiber are two must-haves for any cotton producer who wants maximum profits. Because of continued research at the FiberMax cotton seed breeding stations in Leland, Miss., Sellers, S.C., and Lubbock, Texas, FiberMax will offer new cottonseed varieties in 2007 that have the potential for high yields and high lint quality.

“These breeding stations let us select, develop and evaluate new varieties for optimal performance in widely variable soil types and environmental conditions,” said Steve P. Nichols, U.S. agronomic manager for FiberMax.

Nichols noted that more than 120 cotton growers across the Southwest have joined the FiberMax One Ton Club since its formation in 2005. Cotton growers qualify for the One Ton Club by producing a minimum of 2,000 pounds of ginned cotton per acre on a minimum of 20 acres planted to a FiberMax variety.

Ten FiberMax varieties are currently considered One Ton Club varieties, and Nichols said new varieties for 2007 have the potential to join the list.

“Before any new variety ends up in a FiberMax bag, it must meet the high standards we've set,” he said.

In particular, Nichols noted the following new FiberMax varieties for 2007 that are adapted for Southwest growing conditions:

Nichols added that new varieties that will be released in limited testing quantities include FM 9180B2F and FM 9150F — watch for them in 2007 and beyond. Additionally, the following new okra leaf varieties are available: FM 835LLB2, FM 840B2F and FM 820F.

Visit www.cottonexperts.com for more information.