Kazakh scientists breed drought-resistant variety of cotton

A new variety of cotton was bred in Turkistan region. A team of the research institute grew a plant resistant to dangerous pests and various soil and climatic conditions. The scientists have been observing the cotton plant for two years. The new Kazakh variety of cotton is early maturing, drought-resistant, salt-resistant and easily tolerates close groundwater occurrence. Breeders hope that it will be possible to increase the yield up to 4.5 tonnes per hectare.

“According to preliminary forecasts, 1,800 tonnes of seeds will be required. Almost 70 percent of these are ready. Cotton is a heavy feeder. While other plants are self-pollinating and can be cultivated, cotton is cross-pollinated. We have identified the new variety in our own experimental station,” said Assan Makhambetov, Deputy Mayor of Zhetisai district, Turkistan region.

Translation by Saniya Sakenova

Editing by Saule Mukhamejanova