otton has been grown in Rhodesia for a number of years with increasing success. There are many areas in the country in which conditions are suitable, both climatically and agriculturally for growing cultivated cotton crops. Since the end of the Second World War production has increased rapidly, largely because of diversification, and through the work of the Cotton Research Board and the establishment of ginneries.

ecent advances in pest control, aerial crop-spraying and similar techniques have also played a great part in increasing cotton production. There are spinning mills and textile factories in the Gatooma/Hartley area, and a large number of clothing manufacturers in Bulawayo and Salisbury.

otton-growing has spread to all parts of the country. The greatest potential for cotton production in Rhodesia lies in the lowveld where it has been estimated that 150 000 bales of lint can be produced. Cotton is a crop particularly suited to peasant farming schemes, and these are being actively promoted.

ith normal growth, cotton plants develop tap roots which penetrate the soil many feet in depth. The main laterals which develop from the tap roots are within the first foot or so of the surface soil.

wo principal types of branches grow from the main stem: zig-zag fruiting branches upon whose nodes are the bulk of the fruiting points and hence the main crop of boIls, and the vegetative branches which usually arise from the basal zone of the main stem. These vegetative branches also produce fruiting branches which, though less extensive than those originating from the main stem, contribute materially to the yield.

lower colour, in varieties of Gossypium Hirsutum, is usually cream, but this colour only lasts for the day on which the flowers open. Next day the petals have wilted and turned pink, and during the following few days the coralla shrivels and dies before it is finally shed from the young developing boll.

he early flowers in any crop are produced on the lower fruiting branches, partially hidden among the foliage, and hence they are not easily seen. On the other hand, the later end-of-season flowers are found towards the ends of the branches and are readily visible. Some assessment of the age of the crop can thus be made by observing its flowering condition.