AgroPages-PhytoGen introduces 2015 cottonseed varieties with new yield protection traits-Agricultural news

Growers looking for a top yielder can once again turn to PhytoGen® cottonseed in 2015. Choices for the new year include the varieties growers know they can count on for high yield, excellent turnout and top quality. New varieties from PhytoGen also bring three-gene insect trait technology and industry-leading root-knot-nematode (RKN) and bacterial blight resistance.

“Yield results lead the decision on which cottonseed varieties a grower chooses to plant,” says Duane Canfield, general manager and portfolio marketing leader for PhytoGen. “They also consider how the quality of that yield can add value. That’s why PhytoGen has had the No.1-planted varieties in Upland, Pima and Acala cotton for four consecutive years.”

Performance data from Official Variety Trials (OVTs) and PhytoGen Innovation Plots for several of the new varieties were presented this week at the Beltwide Cotton Conferences in San Antonio. The results show the 2015 PhytoGen offering is setting new standards for quality and yield.

“Our PhytoGen breeders have created cotton varieties that deliver high, stable yield with extraordinary fiber quality and spinning performance,” Canfield says. “These varieties serve as formidable carriers for the great technology developed across Dow AgroSciences.”

The introduction of the first three-gene insect trait technology — WideStrike® 3 Insect Protection — offers improved protection against cotton bollworm and improved resistance management. WideStrike 3 offers superior protection throughout the cotton plant from a wide spectrum of damaging lepidopteran pests, such as cotton bollworm. The new trait is available in industry-leading germplasm in 2015.

More choices for growers

One of the most broadly adaptable new varieties with outstanding yield potential is PhytoGen brand PHY 333 WRF. This variety is an early to midmaturing option with excellent fiber quality and high yield potential, particularly on irrigated, fertile soil. Because PHY 333 WRF matures a little earlier, it’s an excellent complement to PHY 499 WRF.

PhytoGen brand PHY 495 W3RF is the first three-gene Bt product on the market, an excellent option for growers concerned with yield losses due to cotton bollworm. Growers have also seen high yield and great quality with this variety.

PhytoGen brand PHY 417 WRF and PHY 427 WRF are early to midseason varieties that feature the industry’s leading, full root-knot-nematode resistance. Both are short-season varieties that feature strong yield potential and fiber qualities. PHY 417 WRF is best-suited for Texas and Oklahoma while PHY 427 WRF fits the Midsouth and Southeast.

As a result of breeding specifically for West and North Texas, PhytoGen also introduces the first early season variety for West Texas, PhytoGen brand PHY 222 WRF. It’s the earliest-maturing variety in the lineup, specifically bred for consistent high yield potential along with storm tolerance.