
Pectin Plays Key Role in Fiber QualityBy Tara
Weaver-Missick June 3, 1999Agricultural Research Service scientists
have discovered that pectin, a jelly-like substance, on cotton fiber walls
appears to play a key role in controlling fiber quality. This discovery could
lead to new ways to improve fiber length and strength. ARS plant physiologists Kevin C. Vaughn and
Rickie B.
Turley, in Stoneville, Miss., found that cotton fibers have a layer of
pectin around their cells that is not present in other parts of the plant. The
scientists say this pectin layer appears to allow cotton fibers to elongate.
This lengthening leads to more fiber, the fluffy white part taken directly from
the boll. This discovery was a surprise to Vaughn, who is with ARS
Southern Weed
Science Research Unit, because his work and many other scientists
work has always focused on how cellulose--the major component of the plant cell
wall--affects fiber quality and length, rather than how pectin has. The ARS scientists found that mutations or certain herbicide treatments can
alter cotton fiber. In lab studies, when they altered pectin amounts, they
found either cotton fiber did not grow or its physical characteristics were
changed, such as short squatty fibers versus long fibers. Vaughn and Turley, who is with ARS
Crop Genetics and
Production Research Unit, are trying to identify the enzymes responsible
for producing fiber pectin. Ultimately, identifying those enzymes will help to
improve fiber length and quality. ARS is the U.S. Department of
Agricultures chief scientific research agency. Scientific contact: Kevin C. Vaughn,
ARS Southern Weed Science Research Unit, Stoneville, Miss., (phone)
601-686-5211, (fax), 601-686-5422, [email protected]. Story contacts Crop Genetics and Production Research U.S. Department of Agriculture | |