By: Juan Lazo Alvarez

Research Program Director at the Peruvian Cotton Institute (IPA)

DOWNLOAD: “Certified cotton seed production faces a growing threat from the illegal sale of cotton seed of unknown origin. Despite its negative impact on genetic improvement programs, the Pima IPA 59 variety continues to stand out for its high yield and quality, establishing itself as a preferred option for farmers and the textile industry.”

For the past 15 years, the illegal sale of cotton seed of unknown origin has increased, reaching 80 to 90% of the area planted with this crop in recent seasons in all coastal valleys, despite the availability of certified seed.

CONSEQUENCES:

– Unfair competition with genetic improvement programs and seed production for Tangüis and Pima cotton.

– Closure of certified seed research and production programs on the central coast (Cañete, Chincha, Pisco, and Ica) and on the north coast (Lambayeque and Piura).

– In the case of IPA, which has increased its planting area with its Pima IPA 59 variety in recent years (between 3,000 and 5,000 hectares), seed planting is also increasing in Piura, Lambayeque, and on the central coast, which is affecting our certified seed sales.

This Pima IPA 59 variety is gaining significant acceptance from both farmers and the textile industry due to its high yield potential (80 to 140 t/ha), greater profitability, and its high fiber quality in terms of length (37 mm), strength (43 g/tex), and micronaire (4.2 ug/p).

Coordination has begun with MIDAGRI and SENASA to oversee seed vendors at the field and ginning levels.