Using RNAi technology, agricultural researchers have been able to suppress the expression of gossypol, a toxic protein, in cottonseed to a level considered to be safe for consumption, thus raising its potential as a dietary source of protein.

"Very few people realize that for every pound of cotton fiber, the plant produces 1.6 pounds of seed," Rathore pointed out. "The world produces 44 million metric tons of cottonseed each year. Cottonseed typically contains about 22 percent protein, and it's a very high-quality protein."

In all, about 10 million metric tons of protein are contained in that amount of seed, he said.

Under laboratory conditions, the trait has been maintained through three generations. Greenhouse and field demonstrations are being planned, and researchers estimate another 10 years of research may be necessary before these new genetically modified varieties may be released commercially.

For more details on these gossypol-reduced cotton varieties, see the full report from the Texas A&M University, which includes audio (mp3) as well as video reports.

For more on RNAi, check out the RNA Interference issue of Nature Reviews, which also features an animated illustration of the RNAi process.