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 | Upper Namoi | Trial No. 2026111
Siokra 253B3XF & Sicot 619B3XF Try Before You Buy
‘The Point’, Spring Ridge, NSW
Key takeaway
- Sicot 619B3XF established faster in the cool start, while Siokra 253B3XF compensated well after a slower emergence.
- Both varieties held boll load well and delivered similar maturity, yield and fibre quality outcomes.
System
Irrigated
30 inch single skip
Rainfall
266mm
3.5ml applied irrigation
Top yield
10.7b/ha
Siokra 253B3XF
Trial snapshot
| Trial No. | 2026111 |
| Planting date | 15 October 2025 |
| Picking date | 8 June 2026 |
| Previous crop | Long fallow Durum |
| Varieties | Siokra 253B3XF & Sicot 619B3XF |
Season & field summary
Planted on 15 October 2025 following a long fallow durum crop and picked on 8 June 2026, the trial experienced a cool start which favoured early establishment of Sicot 619B3XF. The trial was also impacted by herbicide drift in early November; however, both varieties retained boll load well, matured at a similar time and produced comparable yield and fibre quality results.
There was some uncertainty around whether Siokra 253B3XF would be suited to an irrigated, shorter-season production system; however, its performance throughout the season provided confidence to continue evaluating the variety. While Sicot 619B3XF established more quickly and achieved a stronger plant stand under the cool start to the season, Siokra 253B3XF compensated well and matured at a similar time. The herbicide drift event made it difficult to fully separate varietal performance differences, but the trial still delivered valuable learnings. A key takeaway was the importance of good seedbed preparation and favourable planting conditions for Siokra 253B3XF, with adequate moisture and suitable soil temperatures likely critical for achieving strong establishment. Future plantings may benefit from a different establishment approach, including ensuring optimal seedbed conditions and considering watering-up rather than planting into marginal moisture where conditions allow. Overall, both varieties performed well.
Trial results
TBYB yield results from Will Ronald, ‘The Point’, Spring Ridge. Results are from Carrol Cotton Gin.
Yield & fibre quality comparison
| Variety | Yield | Staple length (imp) | Strength (g/tex) | Micronaire | Lint turnout (%) |
| Siokra 253B3XF | 10.70 | 38 | 30.9 | 4.1 | 41.2 |
| Sicot 619B3XF | 10.10 | 39 | 31.4 | 4.1 | 40.90 |
Agronomy insights
- Sicot 619B3XF established more quickly and achieved a stronger plant stand under the cool start, while Siokra 253B3XF compensated well through the season.
- Both varieties retained boll load effectively, resulting in similar maturity, yield and fibre quality outcomes.
- The trial highlighted the importance of optimal seedbed conditions, soil temperature and moisture for successful establishment of Siokra 253B3XF.
Fit & management considerations
- Sicot 619B3XF remains a reliable option for irrigated, shorter-season systems due to its strong establishment and consistent performance.
- Siokra 253B3XF can fit the system well but requires greater attention to seedbed preparation, soil temperature and moisture at planting.
- Both varieties matured in good time and demonstrated strong boll retention under the conditions experienced in this trial.
