2016 Seed Showcase – PhytoGen
November 11, 2015 From Cotton Grower Magazine – November 2015
For the past three years, PHY 499 WRF from PhytoGen has topped USDA’s Varieties Planted report as the most-planted cotton variety in the U.S. In 2015, it slipped to number two (still with 6% of all acres), but remains a grower favorite across the Cotton Belt.
But look closely at number four on this year’s top varieties list, and you’ll find PHY 333 WRF – PhytoGen’s up-and-coming early season offering. And according to PhytoGen Cotton Development Specialists Steve Brown and Robert Lemon, there’s even more for growers to be excited about for 2016.
“PHY 499 WRF is the foundation variety for us,” says Lemon, who covers south Texas for PhytoGen. “I’ve had growers tell me that what makes PHY 499 WRF so good is that, regardless of the quality of the soils it’s planted into, it elevates the average across the farm.”
Brown, who covers the northern Southeast for PhytoGen, concurs.
“PHY 499 WRF continues to perform,” he says. “I think it’s one of the best dryland cotton varieties I’ve seen in a long time. It will still be an important part of our product mix.”
Lemon and Brown are also impressed with the performance of PHY 333 WRF this year under a variety of different conditions and stresses. Because of its maturity profile and yield potential, both scientists consider it a good complement to PHY 499 WRF across most geographies.
“PHY 333 WRF lived up to the expectations, despite the struggles we faced,” states Lemon. “It’s unique to have that level of yield potential with the fiber quality package. It’s a good fit in East Texas and should be a player on the West Texas plains.”
Brown is also excited about PHY 444 WRF, a new mid-to-full maturing variety that performed well in the Southeast in university OVT trials, company plots and grower fields in a limited introduction year.
“It’s a smooth leaf variety with large seed and good vigor,” explains Brown. “Yield-wise, it’s been very competitive in trials, if not a leading contender. But we’re really excited about the fiber quality. We are consistently seeing staple lengths in the 39-40 range. We think it’s really going to turn some heads in terms of premiums in the textile industry.”
Lemon has seen the same potential for Texas growers.
“PHY 444 WRF doesn’t really fit our typical agronomic profile for Texas,” he says. “The staple length is Acala-like, which will appeal to many of our Coastal and South Texas growers. It’s also tight in the burr, maybe more so than Texas growers are used to seeing. But it yields well and will play everywhere because of the fiber quality.”
Two other varieties appear set for broader introductions into the Southeast markets in 2016.
PHY 552 WRF is a full season variety with good vigor and yield potential. “We’re watching its performance this year, but it’s going to be a nice, full season offering in our lineup,” says Brown.
PHY 487 WRF – the company’s third generation root knot nematode variety – should be available in ample supplies for 2016. “It’s a mid to almost full season variety targeted to the acres where growers know they have root knot nematodes,” explains Brown. “It’s an option we think can help maximize yields in those areas.”
Lemon is also pleased with the diversification of the PhytoGen portfolio for Texas.
“Between PHY 499 WRF, PHY 333 WRF, PHY 444 WRF and PHY 495 W3RF, we can offer growers the characteristics they’re looking for under one brand,” he says. “The question we keep getting is ‘How can you guys keep introducing varieties like this?’.”
GET THE NEWSLETTER TODAY!
