Egyptian cotton: harnessing genetic diversity, molecular tools, fiber anatomy, and innovation for a climate-smart future

Summary

This review pulls together more than 120 studies from the past 30 years on Egyptian cotton (Gossypium barbadense). It reports that seed cotton output fell by almost 60%, from about 554,000 t in 2000 to about 220,000 t in 2023, mainly because input costs rose faster than farm-gate prices, and that lint yield averaged 712 kg/ha in 2024/25. Egyptian germplasm forms its own genetic group, narrower than Pima, but carries some unique drought-tolerance traits. Giza 94 is linked to heat tolerance, Giza 95 to stable yields with less water and Giza 90 and 97 to salt tolerance. Egyptian fibre shows a lower microfibril angle (16–18°) than upland cotton (21–25°). The authors call for a stress-tested 'climate-smart Giza panel' and marker-assisted breeding, but note that most tolerance data are not yet validated across sites and years.

Summary written by Egytex. The full paper is published by its authors at the source below.