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LOGO: Journal of Cotton Science

 

Cotton Genotype Differences in Fiber-Seed Attachment Force

Authors: J. Clif Boykin, Efrem Bechere, and William R. Meredith Jr.
Pages: 170-178
Engineering and Ginning

Cotton genotypes with reduced fiber-seed attachment force have the potential to be ginned faster with less energy and fiber damage. The objective of this paper was to evaluate 15 genotypes to determine how net gin stand energy usage (that above idling), ginning rate, and fiber quality relate to fiber-seed attachment force. Attachment force was measured with a pendulum-type tester for tufts of fiber on each side of the seed oriented towards the chalazel (rounded) end of the seed, micropyle (pointed) end of the seed, or in between (middle); and two sample preparation techniques were evaluated. Genotypes exhibited a wide range of net gin stand energy (7.5 to 12.0 Wh/kg lint) and ginning rate (2.5 to 3.3 g lint/sec) on a 10-saw lab gin stand, and fiber-seed attachment force range from 36.1 to 64.1 cN*cm/mg fiber. There was a strong correlation (r = 0.87) between net gin stand energy and fiber-seed attachment force, and a slight correlation (r = -0.38) between ginning rate and fiber-seed attachment force. Increased fiber-seed attachment force and increased fiber length both together increased net gin stand energy, though fiber-seed attachment force was the dominant component of the relationship. Net gin stand energy measurements can predict genotype differences in fiber-seed attachment force, but it might be important to consider effects of fiber length. These findings are important as net gin stand energy can be determined much more quickly than fiber-seed attachment force and might be used as an effective breeding tool.