By Jim Steadman
Deltapine has announced the addition of seven new varieties to its lineup as part of the company’s Class of 18.
The Class of 18 is the tenth class of new, commercial varieties to come out of the New Product Evaluator (NPE) Program. The varieties were tested and proven to perform at a high level by select growers participating in the program from across every region of the Cotton Belt. Since it began in 2008, the NPE Program has become the cotton industry’s premier field evaluation program, resulting in the commercialization of some of the top-planted varieties by growing region across the Cotton Belt.
“This tenth NPE Program class is significant, as it marks the full commercial launch of the first Deltapine Bollgard 3 XtendFlex cotton varieties,” said Keylon Gholston, Deltapine cotton product manager. “These varieties are unique because they combine the highest-performing genetics with the best weed control and next-generation worm control technologies.”
Bollgard 3 provides growers with three unique proteins and modes of action, helping to deliver better insect control while increasing the longevity of the technology. Cotton with XtendFlex technology is tolerant to glyphosate, glufosinate and dicamba, which provides added choice and flexibility to apply multiple combinations of these three herbicides pre- and/or post-plant for a very effective weed management system.
The Class of 18, which features five new Bollgard 3 XtendFlex varieties, includes:
DP 1820 B3XF – An early-to-mid maturity variety exhibiting excellent fiber length, micronaire and strength, along with excellent yield potential. Provides a good complement to DP 1518 B2XF in northern markets and to DP 1612 B2XF in the Rolling Plains.
DP 1835 B3XF – A mid-maturity variety recommended for south Texas, the lower Mid-South and the Carolinas, this variety provides improved fiber length compared to DP 1725 B2XF.
DP 1840 B3XF – A variety bred for the Southeast and Carolinas offering yield potential and fiber length comparable to DP 1725 B2XF, as well as improved fiber length, micronaire and strength compared to DP 1538 B2XF. Mid-to-full maturity variety exhibiting strong growth very similar to DP 1538 B2XF.
DP 1845 B3XF – Displays excellent yield, quality, and fiber properties for Texas and the lower Mid-South. Has bacterial blight resistance. Good companion variety to DP 1646 B2XF.
DP 1851 B3XF – This full-season variety with partial bacterial blight resistance also exhibits an excellent combination of yield and fiber quality. Ideal for the Southeast and lower Mid-South.