James E. Rodgers, USDA-ARS-SRRC, 1100 Robert E. Lee Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124
The Cotton and Structure (CSQ) Research Unit is one of 3 core cotton research units at the Southern Regional Research Center (SRRC). The mission of the CSQ is to develop and improve the methods for assessing quality and structural attributes of cotton fiber through all stages of production and processing. Specific research areas include the improved understanding of cotton fiber structural components; a more complete understanding of the relationship of water to cotton and its impact on fiber processing characteristics; determination of the ability to measure and the desirability of measuring key cotton fiber-yarn-fabric properties; demonstration of the value of adding new quality measurements to better predict cotton processing efficiency and product quality; and development of new quality assessment tools for cotton breeders. As a result of recent stakeholder meetings and input and of a re-structuring and re-focus of the cotton programs at SRRC, our research emphasis is evaluating and developing new collaborations; strengthening and increasing our present extensive network of collaborators; re-focusing research programs; and looking for new ways to accomplish and expand our research objectives with continued program growth and outreach. High emphasis has been placed on strengthening the close relationship between the CSQ and the Cotton Quality Research Station (CQRS, Clemson, SC) so as to more closely align the two groups and to fully utilize the strengths of both units. Cotton quality assessment and instrumental analysis capabilities have increased sharply since 2004 with the installation of new instruments and software in the areas of fiber/yarn/fabric physical properties, structure analyses, advanced spectroscopy, and modular/small scale processing.
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