Cotton fibres are differentiated from single ovule epidermal cells and grow synchronously, initiating at about the time of anthesis. In view of the commercial desirability of long fibres, the study of factors involved in controlling the extent of fibre growth is important. The aims of this project were to: A. Isolate and characterise cDNA clones of mRNAs which are specific to or important in cotton fibre development; B. Elucidate ribosomal gene expression and its role in fibre development