The effect of varieties on gram-negative bacteria (GNR) in ginned lint was investigated using three midsouth varieties and three isolines of one of the varieties. The isolines were smooth leaf, nectariless and glandless. All the varieties/isolines were grown in the same field using identical cultural practices and subjected to two harvesting treatments. Significant differences in the GNB levels of the ginned lint were observed for the two harvest dates. However, no significant differences were detected in the ginned lint from the varieties/isolines. Endotoxin levels were act significantly different for varieties/isolines or harvest dates.