2013 Cotton Varieties and Technologies Planted In Georgia
Don Shurley, Guy Collins, and Jared Whitaker
In 2009, one variety—DP555BR, dominated Georgia cotton acreage. DP555BR accounted for over 82% of Georgia cotton acreage. This was the last year of its full availability. The EPA registration for single-gene Bt technology expired with the 2009 crop. In 2010, single-gene Bt technology was available only in limited quantities and then fully unavailable beginning in 2011.
Since the loss of DP555BR, no single variety has been that dominate in Georgia acreage. Acreage has shifted to two-gene (B2 and W) varieties, specifically newer Delta-Pine (DP) varieties and Phytogen (PHY) varieties.
Last season, PHY499WRF accounted for almost one-third of Georgia acreage. This year, 499 accounted for about 20%. DP1252B2RF increased from 13% of acreage last year to over 20% of acreage this year and was the most-planted variety in the state—slightly ahead of DP1050B2RF. DP1252, 1050, and PHY499 had about equal proportions of Georgia’s acreage this season and together account for almost 60% of acres.
In 2009, BR technology accounted for 83% of Georgia acreage with almost the entirety of that being DP555BR. Two-gene varieties (B2 and W), although available to growers, accounted for only 14% of acreage. For 2013, 64% of Georgia acreage was B2 (Bollgard II) technology and 27% was W (Widestrike) technology. B2 and W technology and varieties accounted for 51% and 41% respectively last year.
Glytol-Liberty Link (GL) technology accounted for just over 6% of Georgia cotton acreage this season. This compares to only 1% of acreage last year. LLB2 technology declined this year and GLB2 increased. LLB2 accounted for over 8% of acreage in 2010 and 2011. LLB2 plus GLB2 accounted for just over 7% of acreage for 2013.
Small amounts of non-transgenic varieties were planted in 2012 and again in 2013. Approximetly 1,100 acres (.08%) of Georgia acreage this season was planted to Americot AM UA48.
