AREX RESEARCH STATIONS
COTTON RESEARCH STATION
Chisumbanji Experiment Station
Background
Cotton Research Institute (CRI) is 360 ha in size and situated 3 km west of Kadoma on the Golden Valley (Chakari) Road. The Institute was opened in 1925 and falls under the Department of Agricultural Research and Extension (AREX). It is the centre of cotton research in Zimbabwe and in conjunction with Henderson Research Station, Matopos Research Station, Panmure Experiment Station, and the Lowveld Research Stations, serves the cotton industry. The basic task of the Institute is to cover all aspects of cotton research which will lead to an improvement in cotton production and in particular to serve the cotton growing areas of the Middleveld and Lowveld.
The Institute is structured into four research sections (Breeding, Agronomy, Entomology, and Pathology). The Crop Productivity Unit (CPU), which falls under the Agronomy Research Institute, carries out research work for all other crops on request by different organizations/Institutions. The Farm section provides field support to all research sections. The Administration section provides financial support. All sections operate as a Team and report to the Head of Institute.
Vision
To become an internationally recognised centre of excellence in cotton research.
Mission
To develop and disseminate viable, practical and sustainable cotton production technologies that meet the needs of the cotton industry (farmers, ginners, spinners, oil expressors etc.) in Zimbabwe.
Research and Development Thrust
Breeding
The main objective of the plant breeding section is to develop high yielding varieties of cotton which have lint characteristics suitable for the domestic and export markets. The section is divided into three programmes:
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Middleveld (MSH) programme at altitude 600-1200 m is based at Cotton Research Institute. This programme is designed for the traditional cotton growing areas excluding the southeast Lowveld. Emphasis is on producing cultivars capable of giving a satisfactory return over a wide range of growing conditions. This programme produces cultivars which account for over 80% of the national crop. Current cultivars include SZ 9314, BC 853, and FQ 902.
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Lowveld (MSL) programme at altitude 300-600 m is based at Save Valley Experiment Station. This programme is designed for high input irrigated estates and low input dryland farmers of the southeast Lowveld and the Zambezi Valley. The programme accounts for about 15% of national production. Two varieties, one for irrigated production (AG 4869) and one for dryland production (SZ 9314) are available.
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Long staple (LS) programme at altitude 600-1000 m is based at Cotton Research Institute and Panmure Experiment Station. This programme caters for high quality, long staple cultivars to meet local and overseas requirements and is designed for high input irrigated conditions. Despite their lower yield potential, long staple cultivars can be favoured by their high quality. Two cultivars one for irrigated conditions (CY 889) and one for both irrigated and dryland conditions (LS 9219) were released.
All varieties grown in Zimbabwe were developed, tested and released by Cotton Research Institute. Over the last 25 years, 16 cultivars were released. Seed cotton yields improved from 3-20% through use of varieties better adapted to low inputs and moisture stress. Fibre quality (length, strength, fineness) were improved through emphasis on higher quality medium staple Albar cotton varieties. Ginning percentage improved from 34-36% in pre-1980 cultivars to 43% (on a 40 saw gin). All our cultivars have resistance to bacterial blight disease. In areas where Verticillium wilt is a problem, variety BC 853 can be grown as it has tolerance to the disease. All our varieties have jassid resistance. Varieties with increased aphid tolerance were identified eg. SZ 9314 and FQ 902. Better pest control in some cultivars was achieved by breeding for open plant structure to allow better spray penetration.
Contact Details
The Head
Cotton Research Institute
P. Bag 765
Kadoma
Zimbabwe
Telephone: 068-23927/9
068-23994/5
Fax: 068-23996
Email: zimcott@africaonline.co.zw