Phenotypic variation in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) regenerated plants

Somaclonal variation could be utilized for genetic improvement of cotton (G ossypium hirsutum L.). Although significant progress has been made in cotto n regeneration, the phenotype of regenerated plants has rarely been investi gated. We report here the phenotypic variation of regenerated cotton plants . Extensive variations exist in the F-0 generation and subsequent progenies of regenerated plants. Most of the phenotypic variations in F-0-regenerate d plants were physiological or epigenetic and were not inherited by offspri ng. However, we have obtained sterile plants, and elite lines with characte rs of bigger boll, higher lint percentage or longer fibre from the progenie s of regenerated plants. These variations in the F-1 plants were steadily i nherited into the F-2 generation. The results will promote the application of plant tissue culture to cotton improvement.