Gossypium hirsutum L.
Malvaceae (mallow family)
Location: Oil seeds
Origin: Centers of diversity in Central America and Africa.
Biophysical Requirements: The crop is adapted to areas of abundant sunshine, warm temperatures (>15.5C [60F]) and plenty of moisture. It is adapted to a wide range of soils and tolerates pH ranges from 5.2 to over 8. Cotton production in the United States is limited principally to Texas, California (grown under irrigation), the Mississippi delta, Georgia, and Arkansas.
Uses: Cotton is the most important fiber crop grown in the United States and one of the most important in the world. Cotton produces not only fiber (lint to seed production ratio is 36‐64 in USA), but the seeds are crushed and oil is extracted. The oil meal is used as a protein supplement in animal feeds.
See also Purdue University new crops website.