Uplandpuuvillana

Uplandpuuvillana, or upland cotton, refers to Gossypium hirsutum, a tetraploid cotton species that accounts for the majority of world cotton production. Native to the Americas, it was domesticated by Indigenous peoples and, through breeding and modernization, became the dominant cotton in global agriculture.

The plant is an annual in temperate zones and a perennial in tropical climates, growing to roughly 1–2 meters in height. It has palmately lobed leaves and typical cotton flowers; after flowering, bolls develop and yield lint, the fiber used in textiles.

Fiber properties: the lint is short to medium in staple length, generally about 12–15 millimeters, with moderate fineness and strength. It is widely processed into a wide range of textiles and blends. Breeding programs emphasize yield, fiber quality, and pest resistance, including the use of Bt cotton in some regions.

Cultivation and distribution: upland cotton thrives in warm, frost-free climates with long growing seasons and ample sunshine. It is a major crop in China, India, the United States, Pakistan, and Brazil, among others, often grown with irrigation. Modern production relies on improved seeds, integrated pest management, and optimized agronomy.

Economic and environmental context: cotton farming is resource-intensive in many regions, particularly regarding water and agrochemicals. Ongoing breeding aims to improve yield and fiber quality while reducing environmental impact and increasing sustainability in production systems.