Bulletin 214, Cotton Diseases in Florida


 METHOD
 Place about a bushel of seed in a tub and add about 15 pounds*
(4 to 41/2 quarts) of the concentrated sulphuric acid and stir with
wooden paddles until the seed and acid have formed a sticky mass
and the lint has been entirely dissolved. The seed should be
stirred vigorously and continuously, as the rubbing of the seed
together aids materially in the process. In stirring be sure to get
the acid mixed up thoroughly with the seed, as it tends to settle
to the bottom when first poured onto the mass of seed. Delinting
should be complete in about 20 minutes or less. If one is doubtful
concerning the progress of the reaction, it can easily be deter-
mined whether the fuzz has been dissolved by removing a few
seed and washing them in water (use a wooden paddle to remove
the seed-do not get your hands in the acid).
 The seed will usually retain a tiny tuft of fuzz at one end with
any ordinary delinting, and with some varieties of seed it is not
desirable to attempt to remove the fuzz completely on account of
the time necessary. It is important that the seed and acid be
kept warm as this hastens delinting a great deal. Work in the
sun and avoid carrying on the work on a cold day. When delint-
ing is complete fill the tub quickly with water; keep an extra tub
or other large container at hand filled with water to be poured over
the mass of seed and acid, as it is very important that this be done
very rapidly in order to prevent heating of the seed mass due to
the combination of the water and the acid. Stir the seed up
thoroughly in the water and pour seed and water into the strainer
which has been placed over the drainage hole. The seed should
now be washed thoroughly while still in the strainer (stirring
vigorously), after which they can be spread out and dried, prefer-
ably away from direct sunlight.
 There is no particular danger of damaging the seed by this
treatment if instructions are followed. The seed can remain in
the concentrated acid for 30 to 50 minutes without danger of in-
jury, but they should not be left standing in the wash water
long enough to soak them up much.

 *-The amount of acid will vary somewhat with the grade obtained, but
the above amount is approximately correct. If it is desirable to save time,
more acid may be used, but the time saving is rather small.