What is the term for the natural process where the fiber pigment changes during growth?

The term for the natural process where the fiber pigment changes during growth is "cotton ripening." This stage is critical in the development of cotton fibers, as it refers to the maturation period when the fibers are actively developing and changing in characteristics, including their pigment.

During the ripening process, the fibers undergo physiological changes that impact their color, strength, and overall quality. As the cotton boll matures, chlorophyll and other pigments within the fiber can break down, resulting in the white or creamy color that is typically associated with mature cotton fibers. This transformation is essential for producers and marketers as it can significantly influence the aesthetic and market value of the cotton.

The other terms describe different aspects of cotton development but do not specifically refer to the particular change in pigment during the fiber's growth. Fiber maturation might imply the overall development, flowering pertains to the reproductive stage of the cotton plant, and fiber elongation involves the physical lengthening of the fibers rather than their pigmentation changes. Therefore, cotton ripening precisely captures the essence of pigment alteration during the fiber's growth process.