There is considerable interest within the Australian cotton industry for new varieties with improved fibre quality that attract a price premium. Upland varieties that approach the long and fine quality attributes of Pima-type cottons are currently being produced by CSIRO Plant Industry (CPI).These are being tested by the Premium Cotton Initiative (PCI) which aims to identify and create markets for these new premium Upland cottons.

In this study a Long Staple Upland (LS) variety; Sicala 350B, produced by CSIRO Plant Industry, was blended in increasing proportions with Sicot 73, a standard Upland variety, also produced by CPI and subjected to spinning trials. The aim of the investigation was to examine the degree to which Sicala 350B could be used to improve the quality of standard Upland cotton in the production of fine count ring spun yarns. Three blend ratios of the two cottons; 80/20, 70/30 and 60/40 Sicot 73 and Sicala 350B, were spun into 10, 12 & 15 tex (Ne 60, 50, 40) ring spun carded yarns and examined against yarns spun from 100% Sicot 73 and Sicala 350B fibre. Processing efficiency and yarn quality results were examined in order to judge the potential of blending Sicala 350B with Upland cottons. Results indicated that a blend of 70/30 Sicot 73/ Sicala 350B did improve the yarn quality and processing performance when compared to 100% Sicot 73.