Cool Temparature Effects on Cotton Fiber Initiation and Elongation Clarified Using In Vitro Cultures

An understanding of the mechanistic hasis of adverse environmental effects on cotton fiber development is a prerequisite to future improvement through genetic engineering and aids in field management to minimize such adverse effects. In order to clarify previous results from field studies on the effects of cool temperatures on initiation, early elongation, and later elongation of cotton fibers, cotton ovules (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultured in vitro were used as a manipulable and reproducible experimental system based on previous evidence that they provide a valid model. Culture temperature varied from a control of 34 o C constant to 34/15 o C cycling (12/12 h) to mimic a typical diurnal temperature cycle