Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 7, A new type of cotton called Arandú INTA has been developed by researchers at INTA Sáenz Peña in Chaco. This variety is named after the word "Arandú," which means wisdom in the Guarani language. The Arandú INTA is designed to address some of the challenges faced by cotton farmers in the region, such as water scarcity and foliar diseases like Alternaria and Ramularia. It also claims to have a longer growth cycle, which could potentially increase total yield compared to existing varieties like Guazuncho 4 INTA BGRR and Pora 3 INTA BGRR.
The researchers explained that the Arandú INTA is resistant to imidazolinone herbicides, which is a key advantage for farmers in areas where these chemicals are commonly used. Additionally, it is more durable in water-deficit conditions and has slower plant aging, which could help maintain leaf area and overall plant health throughout the growing season. The variety is also expected to perform better in the upper third of the plant, resulting in larger bolls and higher total yield.
Dr. Mauricio Alfredo Tcach, who developed the Arandú INTA, emphasized that this new cultivar is a result of collaboration between national companies like Genus and Agroperfiles Group, as well as the farmers themselves. He highlighted that the goal of this research is not only to improve agronomic practices but also to create opportunities for future research and industry collaboration in Argentina. He stressed that the Arandú INTA is the first commercial variety to be evaluated in a breeding program aimed at selecting the best-performing pre-commercial varieties for distribution.
This development is significant for Argentina's cotton industry, as it offers a solution to long-standing challenges such as weed problems and resource constraints. The Arandú INTA is set to demonstrate that basic science and applied science can work together to drive innovation and improve agricultural productivity. Farmers and industry experts are encouraged to monitor its performance closely, as it could revolutionize cotton farming in the region.
