Effects of artificial seawater on morphology and anatomy of taro (Colocasia esculenta var Antiquorum, araceae) tissues in vitro

Abstract

Taro tissues were cultured in 50-500 milliosmoles (mOs) artificial seawater (ASW). Only those in 50-350 were stable and survived prolonged culture. Organogenesis of shoots, leaves and leaf-like structures was similar in all ASW concentrations, although more abnormal growth was observed at 300-350 mOs. All cultures had highly organized tissues including procambium or vascular tissue, tannin-containing idioblasts and vacuolate parenchyma cells. Differentiation of a recognizable epidermis with stomata was most pronounced in liquid culture. © 1988