Evaluating the Yield Performance of Eight Cotton Improved Varieties with Two Local in the Agro-Ecological Zone Western, Kandahar

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is a crucial crop that produces fluffy fiber essential for the global textile industry. Cottonseed is also a valuable raw material for oil and feed industries due to its high protein content. This study compared nine varieties (Namken, Agosta, N726, Turkish, CD-401, Acala 151799, Blanka, Paloma, and Acala 1517-75) with two local standard cultivars (F-108 and Acala) to identify highly adaptable and sustainable varieties for regional and global markets based on yield performance. The trial was conducted in 2018 at the Kokaron research farm in Kandahar, a semi-arid region. The experiment was established by ARIA using a randomized complete block design with four replications, with each plot measuring 12 m². Results revealed that Agosta produced the highest cottonseed yield, followed by Namken. Furthermore, Agosta achieved the highest total yield, with Namken, Blanka, Paloma, and N726 following in descending order among all tested varieties. Fiber length varied significantly among all varieties under investigation. In conclusion, eight varieties (Agosta, Namken, Blanka, Paloma, N726, Turkish, Acala 151799, and CD-401) demonstrated higher economic production compared to the regional standard varieties, with Agosta emerging as the most promising variety for the research area.