UNALM presents "Extra-long Miller" cotton: Peruvian innovation for the textile industry and climate change
This refers to a new variety of cotton developed after more than 15 years of research in conventional genetic improvement and selection of elite lines derived from Tangüis and Pima germplasm.
The National Agrarian University La Molina (UNALM) sets a new milestone for science, agriculture, and the Peruvian textile industry with the introduction of the new variety of cotton "Molinero extralargo", a cultivar developed after more than 15 years of research in conventional genetic improvement and selection of elite lines derived from Tangüis and Pima germplasm.
During the "Ceremony of dissemination of results and closure of the project: Validation, registration and protection of the new cotton variety of the UNALM with high agronomic and industrial value", the rector of the National Agrarian University La Molina (UNALM), Dr. Alberto Barrón López, presented the new variety and its findings to the Minister of Production, César Quispe Luján. The project was funded by PROCIENCIA, consolidating the alliance between the state and the academy.
Dr. Alberto Barrón highlighted that this result reflects the commitment of UNALM to research that addresses real problems in the country: "This is a high-impact achievement because it shows that the innovations born in the classrooms, laboratories, and experimental fields of public universities can translate into economic well-being, dignified employment, competitiveness and sustainability for thousands of Peruvian families. We put science at the service of the farmer, the textile industry, small and medium enterprises, and the competitiveness of our country," he said.
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The new variety has a high value for the cotton chain that will allow to supply the national industry with extra-long premium quality fiber, suitable for the production of fine threads and garments of higher added value. Thus, thousands of small and micro enterprises in the garment sector will be able to access a local input of greater softness, strength and quality, with lower logistical costs in the import of fine fiber and therefore will strengthen their competitiveness in demanding markets such as the United States and Europe.
By improving the availability of certified seeds of high genetic quality, there will also be a positive impact for cotton producers in the central and south coast of Peru, because it consolidates the national seed system, increases crop productivity, and contributes to the recovery of a product that is emblematic for the agricultural and industrial history of the country.
The new variety adapts to water stress and climate change, promoting a more resilient and efficient agriculture in coastal areas.
The results of the tests showed yields exceeding 90 quintals per hectare, fiber length between 36 and 40.4 millimeters, average fineness less than 4.5 micronaire, strength above 33 g/tex, and uniformity close to 90%, traits that position it as a highly competitive alternative for the Peruvian textile industry.
With "Molinero extralargo", the National Agrarian University La Molina reaffirms its leadership as a center of applied scientific research and demonstrates that university innovation can become a decisive tool to face climate change, strengthen the national economy and project Peru as an international reference in high-quality cotton.