The colour of cotton fibre is affected by plant genetics, environmental factors, harvest and processing conditions. Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) boll rot and fibre damage are usually associated with excessive rainfall. Managing colour pigmentation (and potential degradation) can affect the fibre’s ability to absorb and hold dyes and finishes. Cotton colour is an important aspect in determining the cotton quality and ultimately the price paid to the cotton growers.

Australian produces the highest quality upland cotton in the world. A significant risk to growers achieving market prices for this high quality/grade is the effect of heavy rainfall at the time of harvest. The opportunity cost to industry of colour grade loss due to rain is estimated on average to be $33.5 million, $13.75 per bale or approx. $137 per hectare over the last 10 years. The worst industry impact in one year (2014) was $119million, $24.00 per bale or approx. $240 per hectare.

This project will explore the opportunities to identify and exploit existing IP (and/or in subsequent project invent solutions) to the problem of colour gradation due to rain.