Stability of HVI Calibration Standards for Bundle Elongation Measurements

For a few years, we focused on a series of projects aimed at addressing the industry need for measuring fiber elongation. Our group, as well as several cotton breeders, provided evidence that fiber elongation is heritable, and can be improved through traditional breeding methods. More importantly, fiber elongation can be improved while simultaneously improving fiber strength leading to significant improvements in work-to-break. While HVI testing does provide a measure of fiber bundle elongation, it is currently uncalibrated. Therefore, measurements between instruments cannot be reliably compared.

The need for elongation calibration led to the development of elongation reference material. High and low elongation calibration cottons were produced and tested every day for several weeks on three HVIs. Measurements stability within and among HVIs are discussed in this communication.