Simultaneous Quantification of Oil and Protein in Cottonseed by Low‐Field Time‐Domain Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

Modification of cottonseed quality traits is likely to be achieved through a combination of genetic modification, manipulation of nutrient allocation, and selective breeding. Oil and protein stores account for the majority of mass of cottonseed embryos. A more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between lint quality, lint yield, and embryo reserve accumulation will assist breeders in their efforts to improve seed value. Here we report the development of a rapid, nondestructive, simultaneous method for quantifying oil and protein levels within cottonseed by low‐field 1 H time‐domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD‐NMR). This approach is suitable for a minimal amount of seed and represents an accurate (oil R 2 = 0.998, protein R 2 = 0.95), noninvasive alternative to conventional, time‐consuming chemical extractions. We demonstrate the value of this approach by surveying seed reserve content, identifying extremes of either protein and/or oil, in two sets of diverse germplasm.