Microbial Damage to Iranian Cotton Fibre (Sahel Variety)

Damages resulting by micro-organisms on Iranian cotton (Sahel variety) with 65—70 % relative humidity and 25 °C temperature within four months storage period are investigated. A number of tests are currently available to identify and quantify such cottons called cavatomic. These tests include pH and reducing sugar determinations, microscopy techniques, staining methods and determination of physical changes. Some of these tests have been applied to evaluate possible microbial damage to cotton of Gonbad-Ghabous spring crop. The effects of the micro-organisms growth on the whiteness and dye-ability of different samples are also determined. Data and observations totally support the slow growth of the micro-organisms in this variety of cottons. Key Words: Iranian cotton, microbial damage, cavatomic cotton, physical and chemical properties of cotto