Propagation of Asparagus through Shoot Apex Culture II. Light and Temperature Requirements, Transplantability of Plants, and Cyto-Histological Characteristics1

Abstract

In propagating Asparagus officinalis L. through the method of shoot apex culture, apices of terminal buds of spears produced in vitro were found to be equally satisfactory as explants as those of lateral buds of spears obtained from the field. A maximum number of plants was obtained when the cultures were illuminated 4-20 hr daily with white fluorescent or Gro-Lux lamps at an intensity of 1000 lux. A constant 27°C temp was also optimum for plant formation in vitro. Histological examination revealed that roots arose adventitiously from callus which formed at the base of the explant, whereas spears originated from axillary buds. Successful transfer of plants from laboratory to soil required a prior reculture in a medium lacking NAA and with the light intensity increased to 3000 or 10,000 lux. Examination of the chromosome numbers of plants propagated through shoot apex culture showed that the original diploid status had been retained in every plant.