NEW CROP FOR PENNSYLVANIA: GOSSYPIUM HIRSUTUM L. RESEARCH FOR IMPROVED FIBER STRENGTH, SHORTENED GROWING SEASON, AND INCREASE WAX CONTENT

摘要

Can a variety of cotton be developed that would thrive in Pennsylvania? This research project explores that question. Several types of cotton were grown in Pennsylvania fields over two years and various observations were made of growth, development, and agronomic and physiological characteristics. During the second year, attempts at crossbreeding the different cotton types were made. Desirable traits were isolated in certain plants. In order to integrate two or more of these traits into one plant, crosses were made between plants possessing or lacking certain traits.