Analysis of the Variability of the Textile Properties of Brown Cotton Preserved in the Native Communities of the Amazon of the Province of La Convención—Cusco

Brown cotton (Gossypium spp.), which is grown in the native communities of the Cusco Amazon, is a promising resource for the sustainable textile industry as its natural properties eliminate the need for synthetic dyes, thus reducing its environmental impact. The objective of this study was to analyze the variability of the textile properties of colored cotton grown in the Native Communities of the Amazon of La Convención (NCAC), Cusco, to identify its advantages and potential in the textile industry. The methodology included the evaluation of nine accessions collected in the NCAC with the Uster HVI M-1000 system to evaluate variables such as length, resistance, uniformity, maturity, short fiber content and elongation. The results revealed significant variability in fiber properties, with lengths ranging from 21.44 mm to 27.88 mm and strengths ranging from 16.3 to 36.9 gf/tex, which are favorable values for high-quality textile applications. In addition, a short fiber content (SFI) between 9.1% and 27.3% and a uniformity index of 77.6% to 83.5% were found, demonstrating significant fiber consistency. Pearson’s correlation revealed positive relationships between length, strength and uniformity, suggesting that genotypes with longer fibers tend to have greater strength and uniformity. Principal component analysis explained 81.5% of the variability, with the first component being influenced by length and strength and the second being influenced by short fiber content and uniformity. Cluster analysis identified three main groups of accessions, the first being ideal for the production of high-quality fiber. The study of brown cotton grown in the NCAC highlights the potential of this fiber as a strategic resource for the sustainable textile industry.