Cotton genotype differences in seed coat fragments related to seed fragility and fiber-seed attachment force

Authors: Armijo, Carlos; Bechere, Efrem; Whitelock, Derek; Funk, Paul

Submitted to: Applied Engineering in Agriculture
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/26/2022
Publication Date: 6/17/2022
Citation: Armijo, C.B., Bechere, E., Whitelock, D.P., Funk, P.A. 2022. Cotton genotype differences in seed coat fragments related to seed fragility and fiber-seed attachment force. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 38(3):517-522. https://doi.org/10.13031/aea.14325.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.13031/aea.14325

Interpretive Summary: Cotton bales can be contaminated with plastic, clothing, or grease, but they can also be contaminated with parts of the cotton plant such as leaves, stem material, or seed coat fragments (SCF). SCF in ginned lint not only affect the quality of the finished product, they also cause problems during textile mill processing. SCF are difficult to remove from ginned lint. Cotton genotypes vary in SCF levels, but details are lacking regarding the cause of SCF. This study examined ten genotypes with highly variable levels of SCF to find relationships between SCF and cottonseed rupture force, fiber-seed attachment force, and net gin stand energy. Results showed that the attachment force of the fiber to the seed increased significantly with SCF levels, and net gin stand energy consumption increased with SCF levels, suggesting fibers more strongly attached to seed were prone to SCF formation. Cottonseed rupture force was measured, but only one genotype with very low seed rupture force had increased SCF; otherwise, SCF increased with cottonseed rupture force. Unexpectedly, fiber length, strength, and micronaire were significantly correlated with SCF levels, indicating that the longer, stronger, cottons with lower micronaire in the premium range tended to have higher SCF levels. These results show that multiple, otherwise desirable factors may contribute to cotton containing high SCF levels. Cotton bales produced in the U.S. have a reputation of low levels of contamination, making them desirable to domestic and foreign mills. It is important to maintain this reputation to ensure the future profitability of cotton producers.

Technical Abstract: Seed coat fragments (SCF) are difficult to remove from ginned lint. Cotton genotypes vary in SCF levels, but details are lacking regarding the cause of SCF. This study examined ten genotypes with highly variable levels of SCF to find relationships between SCF and cottonseed rupture force, fiber-seed attachment force, and net gin stand energy. Results showed that the attachment force of the fiber to the seed increased significantly with SCF levels, and net gin stand energy consumption increased with SCF levels, suggesting fibers more strongly attached to seed were prone to SCF formation. Cottonseed rupture force was measured, but only one genotype with very low seed rupture force had increased SCF; otherwise, SCF increased with cottonseed rupture force. Unexpectedly, fiber length, strength, and micronaire were significantly correlated with SCF levels, indicating that the longer, stronger, cottons with lower micronaire in the premium range tended to have higher SCF levels. These results show that multiple, otherwise desirable factors may contribute to cotton containing high SCF levels.