Evaluation of Mechanical Cotton Seed Delinter for Breeders

Delinting cotton seed is commonly used in breeding programs. The predominant method of delinting cotton seed is acid delinting. Acid delinting can be dangerous and effluent disposal is difficult and costly. Current research on mechanical delinting proposes an alternative to acid delinting. A prototype developed by USDA-ARS Cotton Production and Processing Research Unit in Lubbock, TX is used to explore the possible advantages and disadvantages of using a mechanical delinter for small breeder samples. Variables evaluated include sample size, timing, clean-out, and incidences of seed-borne disease.