Scientists at the cotton Research Station (CRS) at Srivilliputtur in Tamil Nadu have developed high yielding, short duration cotton for rice fallow tracts in the State. Tamil Nadu Agriculture University (TNAU), Coimbatore, has released this variety as SVPR –3 early this year.

A hybrid derivative of the cross between LH 900 and 1301 DD (developed at CSR), the improved variety of medium – staple cotton is a compact dwarf genotype with a duration of 135 to 140 days. It has recorded an average seed cotton yield of 1294 kg per hectare in irrigated fields. Under favourable conditions, it has demonstrated a potential of yielding 2634 kg per hectare. It recorded a higher yield than MCU 7, ADT 1 and Anjali.

In the All India Coordinated Cotton improvement project trials, it established its superiority over 5166 and MCU 5 by recording 18.1 per cent and 18 per cent higher yields of seed cotton. Besides high yield, it has a higher lint output; its fibre qualities are comparable to that of MCU 7 and can spin 30’s and 40’s. It is tolerant to stem weevil and moderately resistant to leaf-spot. It is resistant to bacterial blight diseases. SVPR –3 is ideally suited for "Thai pattam" (January February) season. Its earliness and high tolerance to drought and pests and diseases has made its attractive to the farmers who take up cotton cultivation in the rice fallow. Growing to an average height of 80 to 90 cm, this erect and compact variety has determinate growth habit. It produces small round bolls, each boll weighing about 3 g. it produces white, medium – staple lint.

A seed rate of 15 kg is recommended to cover a hectare. A spacing of 60 cm by 30 cm is advocated to maintain an optimum stand in the field. The seeds should be dibbled directly if the soil is in waxy condition. If the soil is dry, water should be let in and allowed dry gradually. Then when it reaches the waxy condition, the seeds may be sown. The first irrigation should be given on the 4^th day after sowing, and subsequent watering should follow 10 to 15 days interval depending on the soil water regimen.

The variety responds well to sound nutrient management. A dose of 30 kg nitrogen, 30 kg of phosphorus and 30 kg potash should be applied as basal dressing per hectare. The rest of the 30 kg nitrogen should be applied on the 45^th day after sowing. Integrated weed management and pest management strategies will prove to be rewarding in establishing a healthy stand of cotton. This variety was recommended for release in the Crop Scientists Meet (Cotton) held at TNAU in July. 1999.

 
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