The Cotton Research Administration of the General Organization for Scientific Research in Agriculture, in cooperation with the Al-Hasakah Agricultural Scientific Research Center, held a field day on Thursday in Al-Razzaza village, south of Tal Tamr, to introduce the technical and production advantages of the local "Aleppo 90" cotton variety, with the participation of several farmers.
The director of the Cotton Research Administration, Jamila Darbas, provided an explanation regarding the technical and production characteristics of the variety, particularly staple length and fiber softness, as well as optimal agricultural practices that help meet the crop's water needs. Researcher Jumaa Lwala presented the main insect pests and fungal diseases affecting cotton, along with methods for prevention, control, and minimizing their damage.
For his part, Muhammad Murshid Al-Zahir, director of the Al-Hasakah Agricultural Scientific Research Center, clarified that the field day aims to raise awareness about the dangers of spreading uncertified cotton seeds in local markets, due to the potential decline in fiber quality and incompatibility with manufacturing requirements, as well as the possibility of transmitting new diseases and pests.
Al-Zahir pointed out that approved Syrian cotton varieties are distinguished by the quality of their technological specifications, particularly medium-staple varieties suitable for textile and clothing industries. He emphasized the importance of verifying the source of seeds, examining their genetic and technological characteristics, and conducting germination tests before trading them. He noted that this requires strengthening inspection and laboratory testing capacities, amid the declining availability of certified seeds and the shrinking contracts of farmers with relevant entities responsible for multiplication.
Ahmad Al-Khalid, representative of the Al-Hasakah branch of the Syrian Organization of Agricultural Engineers Syndicate, stressed the importance of taking random samples of seeds circulating in markets and subjecting them to analysis to verify their quality and effectiveness, alongside conducting biological and germination tests before planting, which contributes to limiting fraud and ensuring the quality of agricultural inputs.
The Cotton Research Administration of the General Organization for Scientific Research in Agriculture had previously developed and improved several local varieties through targeted genetic improvement programs. Currently, six approved varieties are cultivated, including "Aleppo 90," which is suitable for the agricultural conditions of Al-Hasakah Governorate. Cotton is considered a strategic crop in Syria, with the planted area reaching approximately 2,578 hectares last season, producing 5,627 tons, despite the season being affected by drought waves and their negative impacts on production.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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