What is Upland cotton?
Cotton is a mallow-family plant cultivated for fibers that grow around its seeds.
Structure and life cycle
Structure and crop: A flower develops into a boll that opens at maturity to expose fiber-covered seeds. Fibers consist mainly of cellulose; seeds can also be processed for oil and feed. Several Gossypium species are cultivated, with upland cotton widely grown.
Growth, uses and cautions
Growing and environment: Cotton needs a long frost-free season; irrigation and pest management vary locally. Fiber length and strength affect quality. Water use, pesticides and soil health depend on the production system, so environmental effects cannot be assumed identical everywhere.
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