THERMOTHERAPY AND MERISTEM-TIP CULTURE OF SOME ORNAMENTAL PLANTS

The influence of a diurnal temperature fluctuation, root temperature, light intensity and elevated CO₂ concentration on plants growing at high temperatures were investigated.
The plants included virus infected cultivars of carnations, chrysanthemums, Daphne odora, D. x burkwoodii, D. cneorum and miniature rose.

The greatest effects were noted with a 5 C temperature drop during the dark period and with the CO₂ concentration increased to 900 ppm during the light period.
Root cooling improved root growth of Daphne cultivars and the shoots remained green longer, but plants of D. odora cultivars died within 8 weeks of 39/34 C day/night conditions.

Meristem-tip and mini-cuttings were taken from plants after up to 8 weeks of 39 C day temperature.
Methods for the meristem-tip culture of D. x burkwoodii and D. odora are described but, to date, meristem-tip culture of D. cneorum and miniature rose have proved unsuccessful.

Only preliminary results of the virus indexing of plants from meristem-tips or mini-cuttings can be prescribed at this time.

Symposium on Tissue Culture for Horticultural Purposes

D. Cohen

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1977.78.48