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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #80662
Title: CAVITOMA -- A MODERN ASSESSMENT

Author
item PERKINS JR, HENRY - COLLABORATOR
item Brushwood, Donald

Submitted to: National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/30/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: The term cavitoma is used to describe microbiologically damaged cottons. However, the term is poorly understood by the cotton trade, particularly the buyers and users of cotton, and it has been used too often recently as a catch-all term to describe unknown or perceived cotton quality problems. Recently, several indirect qualitative tests have been used widely to identify and label cottons as having cavitoma. These tests, based either on fiber surface pH or on fluorescent characteristics, are inadequate and are often totally inaccurate as predictors of microbiological damage in cotton. At best they offer only an indication that a cotton may be damaged. Quantitative tests, including the high volume instrument (HVI) system used in the USDA classification system, now supply results to describe the important fiber properties of U. S. Cottons including the properties that can be affected by microorganisms. Control of the effects of cavitoma, if it exists, can be implemented by specifying HVI color, strength, and length requirements in purchasing. The use of direct quantitative tests instead of indirect, often misleading, qualitative tests to determine cotton quality is strongly recommended.

Technical Abstract: The term cavitoma is used to describe microbiologically damaged cottons. The condition was prominent in the 1950's during some wet years in the Midsouth and Eastern growth areas and was associated with rank plant growth. Historically, the damage was associated with lower fiber strength that translated into processing and product quality deficiencies such as increased processing waste, higher end breakage in spinning, and lower yarn strength. The qualitative test methods used to detect these damaged cottons are inadequate and at best offer only an indication that a cotton may be damaged. The term cavitoma is not well understood by the cotton trade and has been used too often in recent years as a catch-all term to describe unknown quality problems. The general area of microbiological activity and cotton quality is discussed. Suggestions are made concerning quantitative tests, such as the high volume instrument (HVI) system currently used in the USDA classification system, that can be used to determine important fiber properties independently of qualitative indicators that could be misleading.