Study on the Genetics and Development of Fiber Pigments and Color Deviation After Wetting Process of Naturally Colored Cotton

The genetic control of fiber pigment color in naturally colored cotton was studied. The expression of brown and green fiber color was controlled by incompletely dominant single genes and incompletely dominant major genes, respectively. Production and accumulation of the fiber pigment were related to special expression of enzymatic genes for pigment synthesis in fiber cells. At the stage of fiber lengthening, naturally colored cotton, like white cotton, appeared purely white. But when fiber cell walls entered the thickening stage, pigment appeared by degrees. When the fiber was completely matured (on boll dehiscence), the color reached its darkest level. After wetting process treatment, the hues of the fiber pigment changed in regular patterns. The hue circle for brown and green cotton changed in the opposite direction with wetting process treatment. In general, the treated cotton color and luster became dark and vivid, and this trend provided the possibility for enhancing the fiber quality by suitable e