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Mesophilic microorganisms and endotoxin levels on developing cotton plants
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal
|August 1, 1986
Summary
Cotton bract and soil harbor the most bacteria, with populations changing during senescence. Bacterial and fungal epiphytes on cotton plant parts and soil were quantified, revealing Enterobacter agglomerans and Cladosporium as key genera.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Microbiology
- Plant Pathology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Cotton bract is a major contaminant in raw cotton, influencing fiber quality.
- Understanding the epiphytic microbial communities on cotton is crucial for agricultural practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify epiphytic bacterial and fungal populations on cotton leaf, bract, fiber, and soil.
- To determine endotoxin levels in these samples throughout the growing season.
- To investigate the impact of senescence on microbial populations.
Main Methods:
- Regular collection of cotton leaf, bract, fiber, and soil samples during the growing season.
- Enumeration of total bacterial counts (TBC) and gram-negative bacterial (GNB) populations.
- Identification of predominant bacterial genera and fungal species, particularly on bract.
- Measurement of endotoxin levels in all sample types.
Main Results:
- Bract and soil exhibited the highest TBC, with a significant increase in bract counts during senescence.
- Enterobacter agglomerans was predominant on leaf and bract; gram-positive rods dominated fiber and soil.
- Cladosporium was the predominant fungal genus on bract throughout the season.
- Endotoxin levels varied, with soil and bract generally showing higher concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial and fungal communities on cotton are dynamic throughout the growing season and are influenced by senescence.
- Bract harbors significant microbial loads, impacting raw cotton quality.
- No correlation was found between weather data and specific bacterial types or endotoxin levels.