Registration of ‘Acala 1517–08’ Cotton

'Acala 1517-08' (Reg. No. CV-126, PI 659505) cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) was developed by the New Mexico Agricultural Experiment Station and released in 2010. This cultivar originated as a single-plant selection derived from a cross between B7636, an unreleased breeding line, and 'LA 887', and it possesses the superior fiber quality of Acala cotton and high yield potential. Acala 1517-08 was evaluated in multiple performance trials in New Mexico from 2003 to 2009; Arizona and the Texas High Plains in 2004, 2006, and 2008; and the Southeast and mid-South United States and southern Texas in 2006 and 2008. Acala 1517-08 had a similar or significantly higher lint yield than 'Acala 1517-99' in New Mexico (15.2% higher), the Southeast and mid-South (16.2%), and Arizona and the Texas High Plains (28.9%). Its lint yield was comparable to or significantly higher than that of 'PHY 72 Acala' in all regions. Acala 1517-08 averaged a higher lint percentage and fiber elongation and longer and stronger fibers than Acala 1517-99, but it had a smaller seed size, a similar boll weight, and higher micronaire. Acala 1517-08 is best adapted to the southwest arid region of the Cotton Belt. Acala 1517-08 represents a new conventional Acala 1517 cotton cultivar with a higher yield potential and longer and stronger fibers.