Genetic control of somatic embryogenesis in cotton petiole callus cultures

Summary Three commercial varieties (Acala SJ-5, Coker 312 and Paymaster 303) and three exotic accessions (T1, T25 and T169) of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) were tested for ability to undergo somatic embryogenesis. Sections of split petiole were cultured on 3 media and evaluated for embryogenesis after 180 days. Embryogenic T25 and Coker 312 plants were selected and crossed in a diallel with non-embryogenic Acala SJ-5, Paymaster 303, T1 and T169 plants. F₁, F₂ and BC₁ populations were generated and tested for embryogenesis on a medium of MS salts and vitamins (1962) plus (per liter) 4.0 mg NAA, 1.0 mg Kn, 30 g glucose, 100 mg myo-inositol, 2.0 g Gelrite and 0.75 g MgCl₂. Segregation for both occurrence and magnitude of embryogenesis was observed, suggesting the action of more than one gene.