ABSTRACT

Observations of bolls of the cultivar Maxxa in August and September, 2003, in Florence, SC, changed our beliefs about the timing and progression of symptoms leading to the hollow-seed malady in South Carolina. We now conclude that some outside agent is responsible for the decline in embryo growth and subsequent rotting of the seed. Symptoms were visible as early as 14 days post-anthesis (DPA) at which time the embryos were normal. The symptoms were seen to spread from the initial site to affect additional seed as the boll aged. Three sites of the initial symptoms were observed: The chalazal pore, the funiculus, and the seedcoat on the flanks to the seed. No insect puncture or disease organism could be identified as the initial cause of the symptoms.