Structures of cotton motes and mote fibers

Abstract

A mote is a seedlike structure that is derived from an ovule, but that does not develop into a mature seed. In cotton, motes vary in size from tiny structures having no fibers, to those that appear to be full-sized seed with fibers approximately the length of fully-developed fibers. The size of the mote depends on the stage at which its development was arrested. In the cotton industry these undeveloped seed, as well as the quality of fibers produced by them, are of commercial importance. Results presented here are from an exploratory study to show differences between structures of normal seed and fibers, and motes and mote fibers.Cotton seed develop within a closed boll that is separated into compartments or locules. Embryo development is normally completed within the seed in approximately 35 days. Fiber growth initiates on the seedcoat surface as cells elongate to become thin-walled tubes until approximately 18-20 days postanthesis when the main body of the fiber, the secondary wall, begins to be laid down.