Delta and Pine Land Company (D&PL) has announced the signing of an agreement with O&A Enterprises, Inc., of Maricopa, Ariz., for worldwide licensing rights to Upland cotton experimental strains that have been tested under the OA designation in several state official variety trials (OVT). The agreement also includes rights to developmental strains currently in early testing stages and future strains to be developed under this arrangement.

"D&PL is pleased to have the opportunity to work with O&A, Inc., and its Upland Cotton Program," says Randy Dismuke, D&PL senior vice president and head of U.S. operations. "The O&A-developed cotton lines have been performing at or near the top of several state OVTs the past couple of years. We will add this impressive lineup of material to our already-strong base of worldwide Upland cotton genetics."

The experimental cotton strains to which D&PL will have licensing rights have demonstrated potential to perform well in parts of the mid-south and southeast. The agreement also includes long-term funding and support by D&PL of the O&A Upland Cotton Program. O&A operates a developmental program for Acala and Pima strains, from which D&PL has licensed products in the past.

"O&A Enterprises, Inc., is pleased to associate our Upland Cotton Program with D&PL and incorporate D&PL licensed and owned technologies into the O&A germplasm," says Jim Olvey, O&A president. "This is an expansion of the licensing relationship that the companies have had for many years regarding our Acala and Pima cottons."

The O&A Upland Cotton Program will continue to operate independently under Olvey’s direction. The agreement with O&A adds another potential source of varieties to D&PL’s 10 breeding programs, says Dismuke.

"O&A-developed products will be entered into Delta and Pine Land’s testing program at an intermediate stage, along with strains developed in D&PL’s other breeding programs," Dismuke says. "Head-to-head and other testing of these materials will continue to allow D&PL to bring improved cotton varieties to the market for farmers."