New U.S. cotton varieties should offer improved fiber quality, according to tests conducted by university scientists in 16 different states within six years.
“Beginning next year, we can expect to see increases in staple length and strength and reduced micronaire,” says National Cotton Council (NCC) Chairman Kenneth Hood. “We can anticipate even greater improvements in following years. The genetic background is surely improving and by employing modern technology and management, we can maximize its potential.”
Tests that compared the quality of transgenic and conventional cottons were shown to more than 400 of the world's leading cotton buyers attending the Sourcing USA Summit in Scottsdale, AZ.
“This is a comprehensive study and proves to me that transgenic technology in and of itself has no negative effect on fiber quality,” says Hood.