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Monsanto's gift to help scientists map the cotton genome
04 Apr '09
4 min read
Transgenic cotton is developed in the lab and tightly controlled field studies using genetic material from another variety. The best-known example is cotton biotechnologically engineered to resist certain insects or herbicides. In 2008, 94 percent of the U.S. upland crop was planted in transgenic varieties resistant to worms, herbicides or both.
Globally, China is the largest grower, averaging approximately 36 million bales of cotton. India is second, with a 23 million bales average. The U.S. ranks third, averaging 17 million bales.
Cotton is grown in 17 states, ranging from Virginia to California, covering more than 12 million acres. Texas is the top U.S. upland cotton producer, averaging more than six million bales of cotton per year, according to National Cotton Council data. South Carolina ranks 13th nationally, generating approximately $80 million in cotton revenue in 2008. The U.S. cotton industry accounts for more than $25 billion in products and services annually and more than 400,000 jobs.
Aside from fabric uses, cotton is processed as food and fuel from cottonseed accompanying the fiber. More than nine billion pounds of whole cottonseed and cottonseed meal are used in feed for livestock, dairy cattle and poultry. More than 154 million gallons of cottonseed oil are used for food products, ranging from margarine to salad dressing.
Research is leading to new uses of cottonseed. Clemson biosystems engineer Terry Walker recently received $12,000 from Cotton Inc. to research using cottonseed oil as a diesel substitute. At Texas A&M, plant biotechnologist Keerti Rathore and his colleagues have created a new cotton variety that has no gossypol in the seed. Cotton plants produce gossypol to retard reproduction in insects that eat cotton bolls and seeds, but the compound also reduces reproduction and potassium levels in mammals. Removing gossypol holds promise to increase cotton's potential as a global food resource.
Globally, China is the largest grower, averaging approximately 36 million bales of cotton. India is second, with a 23 million bales average. The U.S. ranks third, averaging 17 million bales.
Cotton is grown in 17 states, ranging from Virginia to California, covering more than 12 million acres. Texas is the top U.S. upland cotton producer, averaging more than six million bales of cotton per year, according to National Cotton Council data. South Carolina ranks 13th nationally, generating approximately $80 million in cotton revenue in 2008. The U.S. cotton industry accounts for more than $25 billion in products and services annually and more than 400,000 jobs.
Aside from fabric uses, cotton is processed as food and fuel from cottonseed accompanying the fiber. More than nine billion pounds of whole cottonseed and cottonseed meal are used in feed for livestock, dairy cattle and poultry. More than 154 million gallons of cottonseed oil are used for food products, ranging from margarine to salad dressing.
Research is leading to new uses of cottonseed. Clemson biosystems engineer Terry Walker recently received $12,000 from Cotton Inc. to research using cottonseed oil as a diesel substitute. At Texas A&M, plant biotechnologist Keerti Rathore and his colleagues have created a new cotton variety that has no gossypol in the seed. Cotton plants produce gossypol to retard reproduction in insects that eat cotton bolls and seeds, but the compound also reduces reproduction and potassium levels in mammals. Removing gossypol holds promise to increase cotton's potential as a global food resource.
Clemson University
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