Dr. Steve Calhoun, associate agronomist at the Delta Branch Experiment Station in Stoneville, said Mississippi farmers aren't the only ones putting seed trial information to use, especially when it comes to cotton. Information is used across the nation and internationally by India and Turkey. Calhoun added that of the 1.3 million acres of cotton planted last year in Mississippi, the majority is Delta Pine 50, Delta Pine 20 or Delta Pine 51 variety. Before seed trials, growers would use one type of seed variety across the state. Choosing the correct seed variety for a maximum crop yield is a goal of every farmer.
Different varieties can be more or less adaptable to different soils.
Watson added that since around 1918, private industries and seed companies have done most of the seed testing in the United States.