A\ HISTORY
Knowledge of cotton planting in Sudan goes back to the 19th century when it was grown for it’s first time in Eastern Sudan (Tokar area). Commercial growing started in 1905 at Zeidab Pilot Scheme in Northern Sudan. 1925 was a landmark in irrigated agricultural production in Sudan, following the establishment of Sennar dam. Since then cotton assumes a leading role as a cash crop.
B\ ORGANIZATION
The organization of cotton production in Sudan started through establishing a large governmental administrations with the participation of farmers. After the enforcement of the Gezira Scheme Act for the year 2005 this relationship started to change and the major features of this change are the relaxation of Government strong grip. The stage is now set for different options targeting smart participation between Government, Farmers and the Private Sector.
C\ MAJOR VARIETIES
THE COMMERCIAL VARIETIES
Barakat ( 90 )
The major extra long staple ( ELS) variety (33-36 mm) ,early maturing and high – yielding , The variety is comparable to traditional Barakat in fibre characteristics , superior in both fineness and strength ( 34-41 HVI) .
The bulk is grown in Gezira ( irrigated ,hand picked and roller ginned ).
Barac ( 67 ) Acala
It is a Medium Staple Cotton , both roller and saw ginned , the variety is known for its good micronaire value ( 3.8 - 4.2) and bright coulor .
Albar ( 57 ) 12 and Acrain
The coarse count cottons Albar ( 57 ) 12 Known as ( Nuba ) and (Acrain) are short staple rain – grown cottons .
Abdin
It is a fine – count cotton variety , early maturing with the following characteristics :
Ø Highly resistant to both bacterial blight races in Sudan ( 32 . 0 mm) ( 33 - 37g / tex).
Ø Higher degree of tolerance to jassid .
Ø 60% increase in yield over Shambat – B .
Ø Staple length 32- 31 .
Ø Micronaire 4.2 - 4.4.
Ø Strength 33-37 ( HVI )
Hamid ( BB - 82)
It is a medium count , high yielding , early maturing and open canopy . Hamid can be recommended for integrated Crop Management ( 28.0 mm) .
NEWLY RELEASED VARIETIES
Sudan has recently released nine varieties two of which commenced commercial production (Abdin & Hamid) , the other seven are:
1. Siddig ( Sudan Pima)
It is a selection from a cross between Barakat – 90 and Pima , it is a Fusarium Wilt resistant variety ( 33 mm) .
2. Hadi ( Okra – leaf Barakat )
It is a selection from a cross between Barakat - 90 and Pima Okra , early maturing and high yielding ( 33 mm ) .
3. Kheiralla
It is a high count Acala ( HCA ) jassid resistant excelling Nour in yield and fineness ( 29 - 31 mm) .
4. Knight ( BB - 90)
A medium count cultivar resistant to bacterial blight ( 29 - 30 mm) .
5. Wager
It is a high yielding variety , adaptable over a Wide range of environments . Wager has longer fibre length , and better micronaire value than Hamid .
6. Burhan
Suited for rain –fed areas more prone to late drought problems . Burhan gave average lint yield advantage over Albar ( 57 )12, Almac
( 80 )15 and Acrain .
7. Khalifa
It is suitable cultivar for commercial production in rain-fed areas of Southern kordofan and Blue Nile regions of the Sudan . Khalifa excelled Albar ( 57 ) 12,Almac ( 80 ) 15 and Acrain for yield .