Neps in Cotton Processing

A test requiring only one gram of raw stock has been developed for estimating nepping potential. The test has been applied to follow nep formation within three cotton cultivars during processing. Variables include two picking dates (maturity) and lint cleaning or no lint cleaning following saw ginning. All samples were drafted, spun, and knitted. Fabrics were dyed and nep counts determined and compared with pre dicted neppiness. Possible causes of neps are discussed.