cotone

Cotone is the Italian term for cotton, referring to both the natural fiber that envelops the seeds of certain cotton plants and the plants themselves used for textile production. The fiber is a soft, fluffy material composed mainly of cellulose, harvested from boll fruits and processed into yarn and fabrics.

Botany and production: The principal cotton species used for fiber are Gossypium hirsutum (upland cotton) and Gossypium barbadense (pima or extra-long staple). Other cultivated species include G. arboreum and G. herbaceum. Cotton grows best in warm climates with a long growing season and adequate moisture. After harvest, the fiber is separated from the seed in a process called ginning and then spun into yarn and woven or knitted into fabrics.

Geography and use: Cotton is a globally important textile crop. Major producers include India, China, the United States, Pakistan, Brazil, and Uzbekistan. Fiber quality varies with species and growing conditions, particularly staple length, strength, and fineness. Cotton fabrics are valued for softness, breathability, and dyeability and are widely used in clothing, home textiles, and various industrial products.

Sustainability: Conventional cotton production can be water- and pesticide-intensive. Efforts to reduce environmental impact include organic cotton, integrated pest management, improved irrigation techniques, and the use of certain genetically modified varieties in some regions, aims that balance yield, fiber quality, and ecological considerations.