Brazil invests in genetics to maintain leadership in cotton

In recent years, Brazil has doubled its cotton lint production, rising from approximately 1,7 million tons in the 2013/14 harvest to an estimated 3,9 million tons in 2024/25, according to data from the Brazilian Cotton Producers Association (Abrapa). This volume solidifies the country's position as the world's largest exporter of the fiber, but masks a scenario of growing complexity.

The Brazilian textile industry has been losing ground to competitors, reinforcing the sector's focus on the foreign market. Competition from synthetic fibers, trade instability, and rising production costs, however, have put pressure on the sector, which is seeking innovative genetic improvements as a way to ensure continued productivity gains.

Eduardo Kawakami, head of Research and Development (R&D) at TMG – Tropical Melhoramento & Genética, a Brazilian company specializing in genetic solutions for cotton, soybeans, and corn, emphasizes that Brazilian cotton has become an international benchmark for three reasons: productivity, fiber quality, and sustainability. "These attributes are essential to maintaining the interest of the international market, especially in the face of competition from synthetic fibers, which have lower costs and more stable production," he states.

According to the expert, the sustainable image of Brazilian cotton is increasingly valued abroad. "Traceability and good practices are growing demands, and Brazil has responded to them. Credibility in the way cotton is produced, in addition to fiber quality, is a competitive advantage," he says.

Challenges in the field

In addition to fiber quality, Kawakami points out that genetic improvement has helped reduce the impact of diseases and pests, a major obstacle in tropical regions. "Ramularia, nematodes, and target spot (Corynespora) are constant challenges. Breeding work has focused on more resistant cultivars, which reduces the need for defensive applications and contributes to more sustainable and economically viable production," he explains.

He adds that the boll weevil, a pest with a high economic impact, remains one of the sector's biggest concerns. "We have been investigating biotechnological solutions for the boll weevil, and by advancing this, we will make a real leap in competitiveness," he states.

Although Brazil stands out for producing cotton without the need for irrigation, which is an environmental advantage, the tropical climate poses other risks. "Excessive rainfall can compromise the harvest, and diseases are more common in this type of climate. It's a more vulnerable system, requiring advanced technological solutions to ensure stability," he comments.

Faced with an unstable global scenario, with trade tensions between major players like the United States and China, Kawakami believes Brazil has an opportunity to strengthen its leadership. "It's a market that demands predictability, productivity, and environmental responsibility. Genetic improvement plays a direct role in all of this. It's no longer just an agronomic issue, but a strategic one for the positioning of Brazilian cotton globally," he concludes.