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.
Trial location: Byee, QLD
Trial commenced: October 2024
Establishment snapshot:
|
Establishment |
Detail |
|
Establishment Method |
Watered up |
|
Previous Crop |
Long fallow cotton |
|
Row Spacing / Bed Type |
1 metre |
|
Seeding Rate (seeds/m) |
12 |
|
Final Plant Stand (plants/m) |
10 |
|
Establishment % |
83% |
|
Field Condition Score (1–5) |
2 |
Results:
- The trial was planted in October 2024, in good conditions. Very wet conditions followed post planting.
- Siokra 253B3XF produced low flower set early on however did recover and developed a good coverage of flowers that were retained.
- The early vigour of the variety was notable; this led to an increased use of Mepiquatchloride to manage excess growth.
- Two irrigators were used across the 25ha trial site, with no increase in the water usage.
- Siokra 253B3XF topped the trial with 11.92b/ha compared to 10.6b/ha for Sicot 606B3F.
- Turnout was higher for Siokra 253B3XF at 44.8%, Sicot 606B3F resulted in 41.9%.
- Siokra 253B3XF demonstrated open growth habit, which also encouraged weeds such as bell vine to grow into the canopy.
- Boll count per metre for Siokra 253B3XF was124 (5.5g boll weight) and 120 (4.9g boll weight) for Sicot 606B3F.
Yield and fibre quality:
|
Variety |
Yield (b/ha) |
Turnout (%) |
Length |
Strength |
Mic |
|
Sicot 606B3F |
10.6 |
41.9 |
39 |
30.9 |
4.0 |
|
Siokra 253B3XF |
11.92 |
44.8 |
38 |
29.9 |
3.5 |
Grower feedback:
“In general, the trial was a good exercise. It is important to see how these new varieties perform in our growing region and how they should be managed to maximise yield. We are dedicated to trying the new varieties and finding the best fit/management.
The Siokra 253B3XF has an open growth habit. This has benefits but also some challenges, including more light for weeds such as bell vine to grow up in the canopy. The boll size seemed to be good, but it will be good to compare it to other seasons to know if this was a varietal difference or seasonal impacts. We will grow it again and manage the variety more specifically, to push yield and set, and hold onto more early bolls.
We are looking forward to seeing how these and other new varieties perform this season.”
Our thanks to the growers, John and Angus Allen, who participated in the Try Before You Buy trial.
If you are interested in becoming a trial co-operator or would like to know more about the trial conducted at Byee, contact Chris Barry on 0491 212 705.
