Australian cotton growers targeting premium markets will have access to Cotton Seed Distributors’ (CSD ) new variety, Sicala 320B3XF, this season.
The Sicala name is reserved for varieties with strong fibre quality potential under optimum growing conditions, and its return marks the first Sicala release in 16 years.
CSD Chief Executive Officer, Ian Taylor, said the offering reflects the organisation’s continued focus on delivering varieties the meet both grower needs and market expectations.
“Sicala 320B3XF has been developed to support Australian growers in producing cotton that continues to meet the high standards our industry is known for globally,” Ian said.
“It’s improved fibre quality and strength profile, combined with reliable yield, makes it a valuable addition to the available varieties for Australian cotton growers.
“The development of Sicala 320B3XF reinforces CSD’s commitment to innovation and to supporting growers with varieties tailored to Australia’s production environments.”
ADM’s Cotton Manager – Australia, Arthur Spellson, echoed the sentiment explaining the new variety would further enhance Australia’s premium reputation in global fibre markets.
“This new variety is a positive step forward, offering improved length and strength that is sought after by mills producing high quality yarns, helping further differentiate Australian cotton as a premium fibre on the world stage,” he said.
A full-season variety, Sicala 320B3XF features XtendFlex® herbicide tolerance technology and insect protection, providing robust in-crop defence and season-long support for crop management.
Previously trialled as CSX 1320B3XF, it has undergone significant testing and has been found to be best suited to central and hot climate regions under irrigated production systems, where growers can maximise its premium fibre characteristics.
Fibre and Textile Technology Consultant, Menghe Malcolm Miao, said trials showed the variety delivered strong fibre and yarn performance in testing.
“We conducted small-lot field trials of the extra-long staple (ELS) cotton variety CSX 1320B3XF. Compared with regular varieties grown on the same farm, the ELS cotton produced longer staple lengths and exhibited lower micronaire values,” Malcolm said.
“Yarn samples produced from the ELS cotton demonstrated improved strength, with the greatest gains observed in coarser count yarns and more modest improvements in finer counts.”
Sicala 320B3XF is available to order for the 2026 season through local CSD Agents.
Additional Sicala 320B3XF performance and varietal information can be found at www.csd.net.au.
Media enquiries: Liz Warden, Communications Manager, 0467 755 917