Key Cash Crop of Southern Colonies

During the early colonial period in North America, the Southern Colonies played a significant role in the agricultural economy of the new settlements. Among the cash crops that were cultivated, one was particularly favored for its high market value and ease of growth in the warm climate of the region. It contributed greatly to the economic foundations of the Southern Colonies and was intrinsically linked to the system of plantation agriculture. Which crop became the central focus of the Southern Colonies during this time?