In vitro culture and profiling of secondary metabolites in naturally colored cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Abstract The cotton ( Gossypium spp.) plant, which is the leading source of plant-based textile fiber, is also an economically valuable resource for agriculture and many other industries. Some cotton varieties may also have fibers in brown, green and tan tones, aside from the common white. Cotton with this type of fiber development is called ‘Naturally Colored Cotton’ (NCC). Various applications were performed here, including callus induction and propagation, root suspension cultures, and the analysis of secondary metabolite profiles in in vitro grown roots and callus tissues of NCC ( Gossypium hirsutum L. Sarıgelin variety). Studies on callus culture have revealed multiple plant growth regulator (PGR) concentrations and combinations with high success rates for callus induction from NCC hypocotyl explants. Among the concentrations tested, MS medium containing 1.0 mg/L IAA and 0.5 mg/L Kinetin was the most effective combination for callus induction. Rooted shoots were successfully propagated from cotyledonary nodes. Following HPLC analyses of white cotton roots, NCC roots, and callus tissues grown in vitro revealed both varieties to be rich in phenolic sources such as flavonoids and anthraquinones. Plant tissue culture practices on NCC provide substantial source materials for future biotechnological applications. Therefore, this study is expected to provide valuable data, enabling further research to be conducted on naturally colored cotton.