March 3, 2000

A study by the American Cotton Producers Blue Ribbon Yield Committee points to serious long-term yield problems for the U.S. cotton industry.

"Clearly a significant problem exists with current cotton yields," a report released by that committee says. "The problem is best characterized by stagnant yields, which have become increasingly variable and highly unstable during recent years."

The report showed that from 1970 to 1985, the rate of change in cotton yields declined, and from 1992 to 1998, the annual change was negative.

"Stated another way," the report said, "the rate of increase in cotton yields steadily declined from 1985 to 1988 and then became negative (-15 pounds/acre). In addition to this recent period of yield decline, the year-to-year variation in yields has increased dramatically."

One area the study focused on was the lack of diversity in current successful varieties.

The Blue Ribbon Committee report said a majority of the most popular varieties include DES 56, a variety released by the State of Mississippi, as a parent or grandparent. Deltapine 90 is the second most popular parent or grandparent.

"While this speaks well of the strong inherit genetic qualities of these varieties, it confirms the narrow gene base for most of the current varieties..." the report said. "Both public and private breeders need genetically diverse germplasm to sustain long-term gains in yield."

The report also addressed a number of other areas, including environmental factors, attributes of recent varieties and transgenic varieties, and public versus private plant breeding.

In conclusion, the report made a number of suggestions, including the following:

• Research funding needs to be directed at understanding the environmental, management and genetic factors limiting yield.

• USDA and SAES administrators must properly allocate funds to begin the process.

• Private industry funds, such as those directed by Cotton Incorporated and NCC Cotton Foundation and private company research budgets, should carefully consider how these recommendations can be incorporated into existing or future plans.