Rapid production of multiple shoots from cotyledonary node explants of an elite cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) variety

In vitro sprouting and simultaneous elongation of multiple shoots were achievedby culturing cotyledonary node explants of an elite cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)variety (NC-601), on Murashige and Skoog basal medium containing N6-Benzylaminopurine, 6- Furfurylaminopurine and Thidiazuron in combination with 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid. A combination of N6-Benzylaminopurine (1.5mg/l) and 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (0.5mg/l) was found most effective for producing maximumnumber (10.31±0.22) of multiple shoots per explant. Although the explants of differentsets of seedlings could produce multiple shoots, the explants derived from the 15-day oldseedlings show maximum response compared to 5- and 10-day old nodal explants.Furthermore, maximum frequency (82.6%) of rooting was observed in the elongatedshoots when cultured on the half-strength MS medium containing Indole-3-butyric acid.Regenerated plants could survive upto 95 to 100% under the glass house conditions.Following this procedure, plants were obtained within a period of 12 to 15 weeks. Normalflowering and boll formation were observed in regenerated plants similar to that ofcontrol plants obtained through seed germination