In vitro culture of callus tissues and cell suspensions from okra (Hibiscus esculentus L.) and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).

Abstract

Methods are described for starting and maintaining callus-tissue cultures of twoMalvaceae, okra (Hibiscus esculentus L.) and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Okra callus was slow to initiate, but once started it was easy to maintain, in contrast to cotton, which was difficult to initiate and grow. Different media were required to establish the two species. The inclusion of 5 mg per liter of ascorbic acid aided in reducing the formation of black pigments in cotton callus. Hypocotyls of sterile young okra seedlings and leaves of cotton plants were used to produce the callus tissue. Rapidly growing cell suspensions of okra and cotton were obtained in B5 medium.