Choosing a cotton variety is perhaps the most important single decision a producer can make in any year. Variety selection has become increasingly important since the introduction of transgenic cottons and concurrent increases in seed costs and technology fees. Moreover, variety selection is the one decision a producer makes that is not influenced by weather or other environmental factors. Therefore, choosing a high-yielding, good-quality variety adapted to local growing conditions is of tremendous importance.

Choosing a cotton variety can be difficult, and the rapid introduction of newer, transgenic varieties complicates the process. The more informed the decision, the better; this publication strives to provide as much information as possible about cotton variety performance over a wide range of conditions. The information reported on measured performance of cotton varieties in Louisiana should be extremely useful as a primary source for choosing the varieties.

One cotton variety is not likely to be adapted to all soils, environmental conditions or production practices. Growers are strongly encouraged to spread their risks by growing at least three or four different varieties. The bulk of a grower’s acreage should be devoted to proven varieties; newer varieties should be tried on a limited basis until further experience is gained.