Noureddine Abidi1, Eric F. Hequet1, Luis Cabrales2, John Gannaway3, and Thea Wilkins4. (1) International Textile Center and Dept. Plant & Soil Science, Texas Tech University, Po Box 45019, Lubbock, TX 79409, (2) International Textile Center, 1001 east loop 289, Lubbock, TX 79403, (3) Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, Rt 3, Box 219, Lubbock, TX 79401, (4) Plant & Solid Science Texas Tech University, MS 2122, Lubbock, TX 79403
Universal Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared (UATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) were used to investigate the structural changes of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) fibers as a function of developmental programming. The presence of noncellulosic compounds (wax, protein, hemicelluloses, pectic substances, amino acids, etc.) was evident from FTIR spectra of fibers at 10, 14, 17, and 20 dpa (day post-anthesis). The vibration corresponding to the noncellulosic compounds disappeared at 36 dpa. Furthermore, independent TGA analysis supported the results obtained with FTIR, showing that the transition from primary cell wall synthesis to secondary cell wall synthesis occurs at or around 20 dpa. This study is the first to report on the use of the UATR-FTIR and TGA to elucidate structural changes during cotton fiber development.
Recorded presentation