Benzenesulfonamide compounds potentiate 2,4-D induced embryogenesis in plants. In particular, 4-chloro-N-methyl-N-(2-methylphenyl)benzenesulfonamide and analogs induce somatic embryogenesis in plants. Methods of inducing somatic embryogenesis comprise exposing selected plant tissues, e.g. seed embryos, to auxins, e.g. 2.4-D and the benzenesulfonamide compounds. Compounds can be prepared by reacting sulfonyl chloride, an amine and pyridine in CH2CI2. Crude product is suspended in ethyl acetate and washed in sodium and potassium hydrogen sulphates and brine, then dried and filtered.