Somatic embryogenesis in cotton (Gossypium) I. Effects of source of explant and hormone regime

Optimal media for induction of somatic embryogenesis from mature and immature tissues ofG. hirsutum L. cv Coker 312 were determined. Explants of three-day-old seedlings form somatic embryos in 100% of cultures when treated with 0.1 mg/1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid plus 0.5 mg/1 kinetin. Mature tissues are more recalcitrant than immature tissues and formed somatic embryos on a limited number of hormone treatments. Stem tissue is most readily induced to form somatic embryos by 2 mg/1 napthaleneacetic acid plus 0.1 mg/1 kinetin, whereas leaf tissue formed embryos best when treated with 0.1 mg/1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid plus 1.0 mg/1 (2-isopentyl)-adenine, or 1.0 mg/1 napthaleneacetic acid plus 0.5 mg/1 (2-isopentyl)-adenine.