Author
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Niedz, Randall |
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Evens, Terence |
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Submitted to: In Vitro Biology
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 6/9/2007 Publication Date: 6/9/2007 Citation: Niedz, R.P., Evens, T.J. 2007. The effects of mineral nutrients on callus growth and in vitro shoot multiplication [abstract]. In Vitro Biology. p.3009 Interpretive Summary: One of the most fundamental requirements for growing plants is that the fertilizer used contains the appropriate types and quantities of mineral nutrients. This is true for all plants grown under all conditions (e.g., field, greenhouse, hydroponic, and in vitro culture). When plants are supplied with the appropriate mineral nutrients, the result is healthy and vigorous growth. This study both reports and demonstrates the importance of appropriate mineral nutrition on the in vitro growth of two different plant species and tissue types – citrus callus and gerbera daisy shoots. In both cases growth was improved dramatically by growing these tissues with the appropriate plant nutrients. For citrus, growth increased in excess of 200% over the standard mineral nutrient formulation. For Gerbera daisy, shoot multiplication was improved via a deep green coloration. Technical Abstract: The effect of the ratio and quantity of NH4+, NO3+, and K+ were characterized on sweet orange callus growth cv. ‘Hamlin’ and in vitro shoot multiplication of Gerbera daisy cv. ‘Pasadena.’ NH4+, NO3+, and K+ were treated as independent factors with all other mineral nutrients held constant, thus the experiment was free of ion confounding and the underlying effects on in vitro growth of these nutrients could be determined. Additionally, the effects of the quantity and form of Fe on callus growth, and the quantity and ratio of Fe to EDTA on shoot multiplication were determined. Sweet orange callus growth (i.e., fresh and dry weights) was increased in excess of 200%. For Gerbera daisy shoot multiplication, the measured response variables included multiplying clump weight, height, width, shoot number, leaf number, and a gestalt measure. The most significant result was the substantial effect of Fe form and concentration on the production of deep green shoots. The implications of this approach in defining the appropriate types and concentrations of mineral nutrients for in vitro responses, including the importance of mineral nutrition, the limitations of traditional methods of defining mineral nutrient formulations will be discussed. |
