Accumulation of Oil and Protein Content in Developing Cottonseeds.

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum and G. barbadense) is the fourth largest acreage crop in the U.S., grown on over 12 million acres in 17 states and contributes an estimated $100B to the U.S. economy. Cottonseed oil is ranked third among consumable oils in the US, and cottonseed meal is prized as a protein-rich livestock feed. This study was conducted to evaluate the oil and protein content in developing cottonseeds over time post-anthesis. The trial was planted in College Station, TX in 2014 consisting of two genotypes in a replicated trial. At least six stages of developing seeds were harvested, freeze-dried and tested using a non-invasive TD-NMR technology to estimate seed oil and protein content. Primary data suggests oil content increases from 16 days post anthesis until seed maturity stage.