Applied DNA launches Pima, ELS Cotton Authentication Tests
25 Jun '08
3 min read
Pima cotton is a generic name for extra-long staple (ELS) cotton grown in the U.S., Australia, Peru and in very limited production in a few other locations around the world. Pima is from the Gossypium barbadense species, compared to Gossypium hirsutum to which Upland cotton belongs.
The primary differences between Pima (ELS growths) cotton and Upland cotton are staple length and strength of the fiber. In the US, cotton is considered to be ELS or Pima if it is an inch and 3/8 or longer. Its strength and uniformity measurements are considerably higher than those of Upland cotton, which improves the durability and increases the lifespan of the textile and apparel products.