Gram-Negative Bacteria and Endotoxin in Cotton: Effect of Multiple Lint Cleaning

Over a two-year period, 72 bales of Mississippi Delta grown cotton were processed with zero to seven lint cleaners in increments of one lint cleaner to evaluate the effect on gram-negative bacteria and endotoxin remaining in the ginned lint. The gram- negative bacteria content decreased as the number of lint cleaners increased; however, only minimum decreases were obtained after the second lint cleaner. Linear correlation coefficients for gram-negative bacteria versus nonlint content ranged from 0.66 to 0.96. Correlations between gram-negative bacteria and grade components were also determined. The number of lint cleaners did not affect the level of endotoxin remaining in the ginned lint.