Cotton Fiber Secondary Wall Development—Time Versus Thickness

Abstract

Secondary wall thickness is a function of maturity in cotton fibers. Fibers begin to elongate at anthesis, and elongation continues for approximately 20 days. As this elongation period ends, deposition of the secondary wall begins and continues for 25- 30 days until the boll "matures" and opens. The exact period of elongation and sec ondary thickening depends on factors such as variety, growing temperature, and light level. This microscopical study illustrates rates of secondary wall development in three cotton varieties, and shows effects of drastic changes in light and temperature, as well as differences in fiber development within a single boll.