Texas Tech University celebrated cotton research by highlighting unique cotton programs with a video release.
Lubbock in the High Plains of Texas is the epicenter of cotton production and research. High Plains, which produces about 25% of the total US cotton crop, is the largest contiguous cotton patch in the world.
TTU since its founding in the early 1900s has been at the forefront of cotton research. Collaborative research with the industry has significantly enhanced the quality and the yield of cotton produced in United States.
TTU celebrated its achievements in cotton research by declaring this past Saturday's football game as "Celebrate Cotton: We Clothe America." Town & gown and the cotton industry all joined hands in highlighting the general public about the importance of cotton and significance of cotton research.
A video "Texas Tech on Forefront of Cotton Research" was shown to a large gathering, just before the kick-off of the game between TTU and University of New Mexico. The video provides a snapshot of a myriad of research and development activities that is taking place with respect to cotton at TTU.
Video highlights Bayer CropScience, Fibertect innovative technology and denim runway competition.
Bayer CropScience develops, produces, and markets cotton varieties and hybrids throughout the world through FiberMax, Stoneville, and SurPass brands. Recently, Bayer CropScience has provided $7.5 million to Texas Tech to carry our multidisciplinary cotton research projects.
Mike Gilbert, Vice President of Bayer CropScience said, "We feel this partnership is very important in our mission of providing the very best in cotton seed and trait products to our customers and stakeholders."
Fibertect technology developed at TTU finds applications in environmental rescue situations and Homeland Security related issues.
Steve Verett, Executive Vice President, Plains Cotton Growers, Inc., Lubbock stated "Texas Tech Celebrates Cotton Game Day was a great opportunity to showcase the significant importance of the whole cotton industry to our region and state. Equally important was to highlight the critical partnership with Texas Tech University and the cotton research performed there. We are hopeful this is just the beginning of many more annual events in the future."
The emphasis TTU puts on cotton research was highlighted by Dr. Michael Sanfrancisco, Acting Vice President for Research, who stated, "Cotton research at Texas Tech is an interdisciplinary activity that blends a wide range of expertise-from genetic engineering, to physiology, economics, crop science and technology".
He added, "This work impacts plant drought tolerance, improved fiber quality, crop yield and the development of novel products. Faculty involved in these projects prepare our students of the next generation, to become leaders in this arena".
The Saturday game showcased the importance of cotton to High Plains as the town and gown came together in celebrating cotton.
