Field tested. Proven performance. Trusted to deliver.
The cotton industry is evolving – climate, market demand, management processes and technology advancements necessitate Australian growers and CSD to remain on the front foot, growing a high-quality product that’s sought after, sustainable and profitable.
That’s why we’ve invested in developing new varieties, built for the conditions you face. The Try Before You Buy trials arm you with local variety performance data and insights to help inform your on-farm decision making and plant new seed varieties with confidence.
2026 Season | Macquarie | Trial No. 2026046
Sicot 748B3F, Sicot 743B3XF & Sicala 320B3XFTry Before You Buy
‘Wingfield’, Warren NSW
Key takeaway
Despite poor establishment early on for the Sicala 320B3XF, the results demonstrated no real difference in yield between the Sicala 320B3XF, Sicot 743B3XF and Sicot 748B3F.
System
Irrigated
Solid 1m
Rainfall
127 mm with ~ 40mm effective
10 irrigations
Top yield
15.4 b/ha
Sicala 320B3XF
Trial snapshot
| Trial No. | 2026046 |
| Planting date | 2 October 2025 |
| Picking date | 12 April 2026 |
| Previous crop | Long fallow from wheat |
| Varieties | Sicot 748B3F, Sicot 743B3XF & Sicala 320B3XF |
Season & field summary
The 2025/26 season will be remembered as one where there was very little effective in-crop rainfall. The crops were tested early in the season by thrips and then in late January with a hot week. At the start, field condition was good. At the end, fair weather into and through picking was reflected in good grades.
‘Wingfield’ Field Walk, 6 March 2026
Early in the season, the lack of establishment of the Sicala 320B3XF was a cause for concern. It did not come out of the ground as well as the Sicot 743B3XF and Sicot 748B3F, and as a result confidence in it was never there. Despite this, it yielded well and it will be worth another look next year. Sicot 743B3XF continues to deliver on farm and the adoption of it has resulted in some good yields this season.
The trial delivered some useful insights, and we’d be willing to host another next year, especially to have a look at the Sicot 757B3XF against the Sicala 320B3XF.
Trial results
TBYB yield results from ‘Wingfield’, Warren. Results are from AFF gin and commercial classing.
Yield & fibre quality comparison
| Variety | Yield | Staple length (imp) | Strength (g/tex) | Micronaire | Lint turnout (%) |
| Sicot 743B3XF | 15.08 | 1.20 | 33.6 | 4.6 | 45.51 |
| Sicot 748B3F | 15.03 | 1.24 | 33.9 | 4.6 | 42.75 |
| Sicala 320B3XF | 15.43 | 1.26 | 33.6 | 4.4 | 44.33 |
Agronomy insights
This trial demonstrated no real differences in the compared varieties, in terms of yield. The poorer establishment of the Sicala 320B3XF at the start, did raise questions as to its potential through the season, but it delivered come picking. Sicot 743B3XF remains an attractive choice for the Macquarie and Sicot 743B3F continues to perform well.
Fit & management considerations
All varieties grown in this trial have a good fit in the Macquarie. However, smaller seeded varieties continue to put pressure on establishment and constantly remind us of the importance of planting into ideal conditions. Growth regulator was applied at flowering to the Sicot 748B3F and Sicot 743B3XF, but not the Sicala 320B3XF. Growth regulator may be required in some management systems.
