Coimbatore, Oct 05: The Sima Cotton Development and Research Association (CDRA) here has developed a new extra long staple cotton hybrid, which could be a better replacement for DCH-32, mostly grown in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Based on critical examination and discussions, both the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and Central Institute for Cotton Research were evaluating the performance and resistance to pest and diseases of new hybrid 'Sima Hb3', CDRA sources said.

With higher fibre length, micronaire strength and breaking elongation, Sima Hb3 could be a better replacement for dch-32, they said. Seed production of this hybrid was in progress and CDRA would begin field trials in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu during the next kharif season, the sources added.

Bureau Report