The Effect of Relative Humidity on Enterobacter agglomerans on Cotton Fiber

A.J. DeLucca, M.A. Rousselle, and B.T. Vinyard


 
ABSTRACT

A study was performed to determine the effect of free water in the form of relative humidity on a common gram-negative bacterium on cotton. Cotton bolls near maturity were harvested, surfaced sterilized, and allowed to open in a closed container. Shortly after opening, Enterobacter agglomerans (EA) ATCC 27996 was inoculated onto test bolls. Control bolls were sprayed with sterile saline. The bolls were incubated in sealed chambers at various relative humidities maintained with saturated salt solutions. Fiber samples were assayed weekly to determine EA levels. Statistical analysis showed that RH significantly affected EA population trends over time on cotton. The data suggests that the differences observed in gram-negative bacteria] levels on cotton from various regions may be influenced by RH after boll opening at those locations.



Reprinted from 1990 Proceedings: Cotton Dust Research Conference pg. 30
©National Cotton Council, Memphis TN

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Document last modified Sunday, Dec 6 1998