Of the 17 states that produce cotton, Alabama ranked ninth in both upland cotton and cottonseed production in 2009 with 255,000 acres planted and almost $111.3 million in value of production. Leading cotton-producing counties were Madison, Monroe, Houston and Limestone.

Known nationally for its cotton research, the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station’s Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center conducts variety trials, long-term fertility tests and irrigation studies and assesses reniform nematode control methods in cotton.

Cotton variety trials are conducted at other AAES locations throughout the state including Wiregrass Research and Extension Center, Prattville Agricultural Research Unit, and Gulf Coast Research and Extension Center.

Insect, disease and weed management research in cotton also takes place at E. V. Smith Research Center, Gulf Coast Research and Extension Center, Plant Science Research Center, Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center, and Wiregrass Research and Extension Center; fertility tests and demonstrations are being conducted at the Black Belt Research and Extension Center.

Publications

• 2011 Alabama Cotton Variety Report (EVSRC, GCREC, PARU, TVREC, WREC)
• 2010 Alabama Cotton Variety Report (GCREC, PARU, WREC)
• 2010 AU Crops Cotton Research Report (EVSRC, GCREC, PARU, TVREC, WREC)