Establishment of embryogenic suspension cultures of a wild relative of cotton ( Gossypium klotzschianum Anderss.)

Summary: Maintainable, highly embryogenic suspension cultures of a wild relative of cotton (Gossypium klotzschianum Anderss.) have been obtained. Callus with no apparent organization was used to establish the liquid culture. Callus growth conditions as well as suspension medium composition were optimized. A visual selection scheme was beneficial for the maintenance of the embryogenic suspension. These liquid cultures have been maintained for over 10 mo. with no loss in embryogenic capacity. The somatic embryos developed after transfer of the embryogenic tissues to a hormone-free liquid medium.