Effects of Malic Acid Salts on Growth of Young Cotton Embryos In vitro

Abstract

Chromatographic analysis of the liquid endosperm from 12- to 14-day-old cotton ovules indicated the presence of malic acid in excess of 7 mg/ml. Addition of 4 mg of ammonium or calcium malate to each ml of culture medium resulted in more rapid growth and greater viability of cotton embryos cultured in vitro from the heart stage. Sodium malate in excess of 0.01 mg/ml inhibited embryo growth in vitro. Ammonium or calcium citrate and succinate were either less effective than malate in supporting embryo growth or inhibitory.