Cotton Seed Quality: What Could and Should Growers Know?​​

March 2021 | 30 min., 58 sec.
by Guy D. Collins
NC State University

Summary

​Cotton seed quality influences stand establishment, seedling vigor, plant growth throughout the season, and potentially yield. The cost of seed represents a significant proportion of the total cost of producing cotton; therefore, many growers across the United States have become concerned with seed quality. This presentation discusses the various measures of cotton seed quality, as well as what growers should observe and how they should utilize seed quality to make better planting decisions. In addition, this presentation discusses current research on cotton seed quality and tools growers can use to assist in planting decisions.​​

About the Presenter

Guy D. CollinsGuy D. Collins began his career in 2009 as the Extension cotton agronomist at the University of Georgia after completing his PhD in crop science at North Carolina (NC) State University the same year. He earned his MS in crop science and his BS in agronomy from NC State in 2006 and 2004, respectively. Dr. Collins returned to NC State University in 2015 and served as the cotton Extension associate professor until 2020, when he was promoted to cotton Extension professor. Although his official appointment is 100% Extension, he is heavily engaged in applied agronomic research conducted on his own and collaboratively with other cotton faculty in multiple departments. In his Extension work, Dr. Collins provides assistance, support, and training programs for county agents and growers regarding cotton production and management. His research supports his Extension program by providing current information that enables cotton growers to maximize yield potential, reduce production costs, optimize timing of agronomic inputs, and employ decision aides. His current research and Extension efforts focus on large-scale, on-farm evaluations of cultivar stability across environments, plant growth regulator management, seed quality and replanting decisions, and management strategies to maximize yield and fiber quality. Dr. Collins works closely with county agents, the NC State University cotton team, the NC Cotton Producers Association, Cotton Incorporated, the Extension Cotton Specialists Working Group across the United States, and seed and crop protection companies.

Contact Information:
Email: gdcollin@ncsu.edu

Additional Resources

NCDA Cotton Seed Quality Database – North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services

Cotton Planting Conditions Calculator – North Carolina Climate Office

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