埃及素以盛产优质长绒棉而闻名于世,是世界长绒棉主要出口国之一。在埃及的国民经济中,棉花占有重要的地位,被誉为“埃及的白色金子”。 一、育种历史及主要成就 埃及植棉历史可追溯到古埃及时期,但海岛棉(即长绒棉)是1826年首次引进埃及栽植的。当时,这棉种不完全适应埃及的自然条件,需要不时地更换种子,但它的纤维品质和出售价格均超过当地的朱麦尔棉(Jumel cotton),以后又从南卡罗来纳(South Egypt is known for its rich quality long-staple cotton and is one of the leading exporters of long-staple cotton in the world. In Egypt’s national economy, cotton occupies an important position, known as “Egypt’s white gold.” I. Breeding History and Major Achievements The history of cotton plantings in Egypt dates back to the period of ancient Egypt. However, island cotton (long staple cotton) was first introduced into Egypt in 1826. At the time, the cotton seed did not fully adapt to the natural conditions in Egypt and needed to be replaced from time to time, but its fiber quality and selling prices surpassed the local Jumel cotton and later from South