1. Introduction
In order to broaden the portfolio of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) fibre types for delivery into Asian high-count ring spinning,
cultivars with better combinations of fibre length,
strength and fineness (linear density) are desirable.
Such fibres will address an increasing demand for lightweight casual cotton garments; particularly in China and India ( Liu et al., 2010).
To address that aim,
the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has been breeding cotton genotypes with premium fibre adapted to Australian (AUS) conditions.