Impact of seed quality and crop management practices on fiber quality

摘要

Cotton is a crop that is grown primarily for its fiber. The quality and uniformity of the fiber is vital to its marketability and destined end use. Good crops and sustained, reliable production of quality cotton can only come from an integrated technology system that is in balance with the environment and maximizes the opportunity for the crop to convert sunlight into cellulose fibers with the desired characteristics. In Africa, cotton production is largely in the hands of smallholder farmers who are resource poor and lack credit facilities, access to inputs. training and skills to produce top-quality crops. This paper explores the reasons why in Zimbabwe high quality cotton is produced by both large scale commercial farmers, who may plant 100 hectares or more of the crop, to smallholders who may only crop half a hectare or less. It examines the issue from the impact of variety and seed through production practices to the standards and strategies demanded and enforced by the growers' and marketing organizations.