Articles
CONSIDERATIONS OF JUVENILITY AND MATURITY IN THE MICROPROPAGATION OF THE METROSIDEROS SPECIES
Article number
227_100
Pages
482 – 484
Language
Abstract
The Metrosideros species are flowering woody plants, growing predominantly in the Pacific region.
Propagation has been by cutting grown material from adult foliage, but rooting percentages have been variable.
The in vitro propagation shows a transition between the adult and juvenile stages as follows.
Acclimation of mature adult foliage under high temperature and low light conditions produces soft young growth.
Under in vitro conditions these explants rejuvenate with a high potential for root regeneration.
Within six months of transfer to soil, the bud break on these plants shows mature adult foliage.
Propagation has been by cutting grown material from adult foliage, but rooting percentages have been variable.
The in vitro propagation shows a transition between the adult and juvenile stages as follows.
Acclimation of mature adult foliage under high temperature and low light conditions produces soft young growth.
Under in vitro conditions these explants rejuvenate with a high potential for root regeneration.
Within six months of transfer to soil, the bud break on these plants shows mature adult foliage.
The micropropagation of Metrosideros excelsa cv. ‘Rangitoto’, M. excelsa cv. ‘Scarlet Pimpernel’ M. carminea (from New Zealand), M. polymorpha (from Hawaii) and M. villosa (from Tahiti), all show this transition.
Authors
J.L. Oliphant
Keywords
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