Ultra-low Gossypol Cottonseed Gets Boost
USDA-APHIS is considering non-regulated status for a particular type of ultra-low gossypol cottonseed (ULGCS) containing technology that could expand the feed and food markets for cottonseed. TAM66274, researched at Texas A&M AgriLife and funded by Cotton Incorporated, is set for USDA-APHIS review.
Ultra-low gossypol cotton is packed with potential, related to increased use of protein in cottonseed, as well as greater overall value and sustainability. “Cotton Incorporated has been working on this technology for many years,” says Louisiana cotton producer George LaCour, chairman of The Cotton Board. “Gossypol naturally occurs in cottonseed and limits its potential as animal feed. This technology could broaden the animal feed market for cottonseed.”
The sole difference between ULGCS and conventional cottonseed is the low gossypol level, according to Kater Hake, vice president of Agricultural and Environmental Research at Cotton Incorporated: “ULGCS expands the opportunities for cottonseed in the food and feed sectors, without adversely affecting the quality or value of the fiber or other byproducts such as hulls and linters. Extensive field evaluations demonstrated that ULGCS poses no greater ecological risk than conventional cotton varieties.”
The review request was submitted by Texas A&M AgriLife.