ABSTRACT

During the 2003 Breeder’s Tour, the subject of sampling and fiber measurements was discussed. It was assumed that fiber-sampling methods affected fiber quality measurements, although no data support that conclusion. Cotton breeders in general use two methods, hand-picked or grab sampling. The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of sampling method on lint percent turnout and fiber quality measurements. We found lint percent, micronaire, length, strength and elongation was not significantly different between the two sampling methods (P<0.05). However, fiber uniformity was significantly different (P<0.01). These differences may be due to the cotton picker harvesting the grab samples.