Microbial Damage to Cotton

Abstract

Microbial damage to raw cotton is a common problem in many parts of the world, and tests currently available to identify and quantify it are reviewed and evaluated. These tests include cuprammonium hydroxide fluidity tests, pH determinations, re ducing sugar determinations, microscopic techniques, and staining methods. The tests have been used to evaluate possible microbial damage to cotton from two Australian growing seasons. Between-laboratory variations in the use of these methods are dis cussed. Shadecloth and overhead sprinklers are used in field plots to simulate adverse weather conditions and promote microbial damage. The effect of microbial damage on the color difference between dyed lots is also determined.