In-ovulo embryo culture and seedling development of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

A convenient and reliable method for culturing cotton embryos is needed to obtain interspecific hybrids of this genus. C.A. Beasley and I.P. Ting (Amer. J. Bot. 60, 130, 1973) developed a phytohormone-supplemented medium (BTP) upon which the growth of ovules was similar that of in situ ovules. This medium was examined for in-ovulo embryo culture. Although good ovule growth occurred on BTP no embryos developed to maturity. However, when the medium was supplemented with NH 4 (+) , more than 50% of the ovules produced mature embryos, and many of these germinated precociously after 8-10 weeks of culture. After germination seedlings were established on a separate medium designed to give balanced root and shoot growth. Subsequently young plants could be transferred to pots for greenhouse culture.