Cotton experts: a farmer checks the quality of his fiber plants.
The United States is cotton country: Texas contains the world’s largest continuous growing area for the fluffy fiber. Cotton used to be so precious that it, like salt or porcelain, was nicknamed "white gold". The stronger, longer, and finer the cotton fibers, the better they can be processed into thread and high-quality fabric However, cotton is a very thirsty plant and growing it requires substantial amounts of water.
High yields despite water scarcity
Water in particular is now a scarce resource, as cotton farmers in the United States are increasingly becoming aware. Researchers from Bayer CropScience have reacted to the problem: biotechnology experts and breeders are developing new varieties of cotton that require less precious liquid yet nonetheless produce high-quality fibers. Find out how Bayer experts are helping farmers around the world safeguard their livelihoods with higher yields here.