Department of Crop Physiology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641003
1 Present address: Division of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry CPRI, Simla-171001
2 Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore-641007
Changes in amino acid content and composition during the course of boll development was investigated in linted (Suvin, MCU 5) and lintless (MCU 5 mutant) cotton genotypes. The study revealed that total free amino acid content was high in Suvin followed by MCU 5 and its mutant. The content remained at a higher level during fibre elongation and subsequently declined. The decline was markedly rapid between secondary thickening and maturation phases. Among the boll components, free amino acid content was found to be high in kernel followed by seed coat and lint. As regards composition, aspartate and glutumate were identified as major constituents available during boll development. Developing fibre as in seed coat and kernel contained high levels of these amino acids. The lintless mutant had exhibited low amount of free amino acids as well as lower content of aspartate and glutamate suggesting disturbances in amino acid metabolism during the course of boll development.
