IN VITRO SHOOT TIP CULTURE OF COTTON (GOSSYPIUM HIRSUTUM)

Shoot apices from in-vitro germinated seedlings of 22 cotton varieties were cultured on basal MS salts and vitamins (Murashige & Skoog, 1962). No phytohomones were used. Growth response of different varieties varied. Root and shoot formation, was observed in all varieties. After plantlet formation, in vitro plantlets were shifted to pots containing a specific composition of soil, sand and peat moss. Pots were covered with polythene bags to maintain the humidity level and uncovered for a limited period for aeration for three weeks. These plants grew into healthy green plants and reached to maturity