Scientists record cotton plant height, nodes, and fruiting sites- a process called mapping-to-aid in quality and yield research. (Photo by Scott Bauer)

Revolutionizing Cotton Breeding to Grow Better Fiber and Boost Farming Success 

ARS researchers are laying the groundwork for cotton breeding to develop cultivars with superior fiber yield, quality, and agronomic performance. 

Cotton is the most valuable fiber crop grown in the U.S., with an overall business value of over $100B. However, cotton production is threatened by several challenges including extreme drought, pests, and diseases. Additionally, the lack of genetic diversity in the current genetic base can limit potential advances from traditional plant breeding approaches. Learn more...

The Agricultural Research Service is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency. Daily, ARS focuses on solutions to agricultural problems affecting America. Each dollar invested in agricultural research results in $20 of economic impact.