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Effects on Cottonseed of Immersion in Acetone or Methylene Chloride¹

Acetone and methylene chloride have been advocated as carrier solvents for incorporation of growth regulators and seed protectants into seeds. The penetration and effects of these solvents on cottonseed (Gossypium hirsutum L.) were studied. Seeds immersed in the solvents had normal germinability, whereas excised embryos and gin-damaged seeds were killed by immersion in the solvents, apparently due to disruption of lipid systems. Seeds were soaked in solvents containing the dye oil red O; the dye penetrated the seed coat, but none entered the embryos. When excised embryos were immersed in dye solutions, the dye permeated throughout the embryos. Thus, seed coats are permeable to the solvents and the dye, but the nucellar layer surrounding embryos is impermeable, at least to the dye. Acetone and methylene chloride may be suitable for surface application of chemicals to sound cottonseed, but not for introduction of chemicals into embryos.

Key Words: Gossypium hirsutum • Solvent infusion

² Research plant physiologist, USDA, ARS, National Cotton Pathology Research Laboratory, P. O. Drawer JF, College Station, TX 77840.

Received for publication March 31, 1977.