Pectic Substance of Cotton Fibres in Relation to Growth

Abstract

The content of pectic substance in cotton fibres at various stages of growth was determined. The results suggest three distinct stages of de velopment of the fibre. The first extends to about the 18th day and is char acterized by a gradual decrease in the content of pectic substance. The second extends from the 18th to about the 35th day during which time there occurs a rapid decrease in the content of pectic substance. In the final stage, which extends from about the 35th day to maturity, there is only a slight decrease in the content of pectic substance. These three stages of de velopment are in good agreement with those deduced by other investigators from different types of data.