Effect of desiccation and cryopreservation on the germination of embryonic axes and seeds of cotton

Abstract

The aim of the present work was to explore the feasibility of seed cryopreservation as a tool for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) genetic resources conservation. Therefore, seeds of five cotton cultivars (CNPA 4M, CNPA 5M, CNPA Precoce 1, CNPA Precoce 2, Coker 312) were subjected to desiccation and/or immersion in liquid nitrogen. Germination was not affected by any of the treatments in cultivars CNPA 4M, CNPA Precoce 1 and Coker 312. Desiccation from 9.8% and 15.6% moisture contents to 2.8% and 3.0% decreased seed viability in CNPA 5M and CNPA Precoce 2. However, germination of desiccated seeds improved after freezing. Embryonic axes of CNPA Precoce 2 and Coker 312 withstood cryopreservation when their moisture content was 19.4% or lower. Humidification did not have any effect on germination of Coker 312 seeds; on the other hand, it improved viability of CNPA Precoce 2 desiccated seeds.