Registration of ‘Acala 1517–08’ Cotton

Abstract

‘Acala 1517–08’ (Reg. No. CV‐126, PI 659505) cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) was developed by the New Mexico Agricultural Experiment Station and released in 2010. This cultivar originated as a single‐plant selection derived from a cross between B7636, an unreleased breeding line, and ‘LA 887’, and it possesses the superior fiber quality of Acala cotton and high yield potential. Acala 1517–08 was evaluated in multiple performance trials in New Mexico from 2003 to 2009; Arizona and the Texas High Plains in 2004, 2006, and 2008; and the Southeast and mid‐South United States and southern Texas in 2006 and 2008. Acala 1517–08 had a similar or significantly higher lint yield than ‘Acala 1517–99’ in New Mexico (15.2% higher), the Southeast and mid‐South (16.2%), and Arizona and the Texas High Plains (28.9%). Its lint yield was comparable to or significantly higher than that of ‘PHY 72 Acala’ in all regions. Acala 1517–08 averaged a higher lint percentage and fiber elongation and longer and stronger fibers than Acala 1517–99, but it had a smaller seed size, a similar boll weight, and higher micronaire. Acala 1517–08 is best adapted to the southwest arid region of the Cotton Belt. Acala 1517–08 represents a new conventional Acala 1517 cotton cultivar with a higher yield potential and longer and stronger fibers.