Cotton Plant

Gossypium spp.

1. Identification and origin

Gossypium spp. is a genus of the Malvaceae family that includes several species cultivated for the production of textile fibre, the main ones being: Gossypium hirsutum L., G. barbadense L., G. arboreum L. and G. herbaceum L. The cotton plant originates in the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa and the Americas, having been domesticated independently on different continents. It is currently one of the most important industrial crops in the world.

2. Economic importance

Cotton is the main natural fibre used by the global textile industry. In addition to the fibre, the seeds are used for oil extraction and the production of meal for animal feed. The crop has great economic relevance in tropical and subtropical countries, being fundamental for value chains linked to the textile, food and oilseed industries. World demand remains high due to the versatility and quality of the fibre.

3. Botanical characterisation

Herbaceous or subshrubby plant, annual in cultivation, with an erect stem and variable branching according to the variety. The leaves are palmate, alternate and of intense green colouring. The flowers are large, yellow or cream, with internal spots. The fruit is a capsule (boll) which, when it opens, releases white fibres that surround the seeds. Reproduction is done by seed.

4. Soil and climate requirements

It prefers hot and dry climates, with optimal temperatures between 25–35 °C. It needs high luminosity and a long frost-free period. It requires deep, well-drained soils, of medium texture and pH between 5.5–7.5. It tolerates some drought, but regular irrigation significantly increases productivity. It is sensitive to waterlogging, which favours root diseases.

5. Main pests

• Aphids (Aphididae): sap sucking and transmission of viral diseases.
• Whitefly: Bemisia tabaci causes weakening and sooty mould.
• Cotton bollworm: Helicoverpa armigera causes perforations in flower buds and bolls.
• Mites (Tetranychidae): silvering and reduction of the photosynthetic area.
• Plant bugs (Miridae): damage to flower buds and young bolls.

6. Main diseases

• Wilt caused by Verticillium dahliae: causes yellowing and vascular necrosis.
• Wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum: affects the vascular system and reduces vigour.
• Root rots: Rhizoctonia, Pythium and Phytophthora in waterlogged soils.
• Powdery mildew: Golovinomyces cichoracearum forms white mycelium on leaves.
• Anthracnose: Colletotrichum gossypii causes spots and necroses on leaves and bolls.

7. General crop management

It includes the use of certified seeds, sowing in well-drained soils, weed control, monitoring of pests and diseases and crop rotation to reduce soil problems. Balanced irrigation and adequate fertilisation are essential to maximise fibre production. Harvesting must be carried out when the bolls are fully open, avoiding losses due to bad weather.

Bibliographic references

• EPPO Global Database – Gossypium spp.
• CABI – Crop Factsheets – Gossypium spp.
• Rubatzky, V. E., & Yamaguchi, M. (2012). World Vegetables. Springer.
• Kays, S. J. (2011). Cultivated Vegetables of the World. Wageningen Academic Publishers.
• FAO – Technical documents on industrial crops.
• Fang, D. D., & Percy, R. G. (2015). Cotton. Agronomy Monograph Series, American Society of Agronomy.