In 1994, the cotton industry established six goals for
improving cottonseed quality. All goals were set with the understanding
that lint yield and quality should not be sacrificed and
these will continue to be of greatest economic importance in breeding
programs.
Increase the overall seed market value. Value is defined as the
economic return per unit (either $/acre or $/ton) to the seller of the
seed. This is realized through increasing oil and protein content to a
minimum base of 18.5 percent each and by maintaining fatty acid and
amino acid profiles which are as good as or better than the current
varieties.
Develop a standardized test for measuring seed coat fragility. Once
in place, seed coat fragility information should be included in
variety test reports.
Eliminate gossypol as a component in the seed while retaining
gossypol in other parts of the cotton plant. The nearterm goal is
keeping total gossypol below 0.8% in the kernel.
Recognize the importance of seed size parameters to ensure
uniformity while not diminishing oil and protein content. A seed index
of 10 (mass in grams of 100 fuzzy seeds) should be established as the
minimum level.
Develop an accurate and standardized test for seedling vigor.
Continue industry/government efforts to eliminate aflatoxin as an
economic problem.
