DIRECT ROOT-TIP CONVERSION OF CATASETUM INTO PROTOCORM-LIKE BODIES - EFFECTS OF AUXIN AND CYTOKININ

Root apex conversion of Catasetum fimbriatum into protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) can occur in the absence of any added plant growth regulator. The presence of exogenous auxins in media drastically reduced the number of PLBs formed; on the other hand the concentrations of these auxins used greatly increased the process of callus formation. No effect on the mean number of root tip conversions into PLBs was observed with chlorogenic acid. However, this process was significantly increased in one of the concentrations used of p-coumaric acid. BA did not have any effect on callus formation, but caused marked acceleration in the process of root tip conversion and on the mean number of PLBs formed. PLB formation observed in the absence of any exogenous growth substance seemed to reflect a disruption in the interactions between the excised roots and the rest of the plants. The presence of light decreased the process of conversion.