GROWTH MEASUREMENTS OF BEGONIA-REX PUTZ PLANTS REGENERATED FROM LEAF CUTTINGS AND INVITRO FROM LEAF PETIOLES, AXENIC LEAVES, RECYCLED AXENIC LEAVES AND CALLUS

Procedures and media are described for the expression of regeneration from petiole and axenic leaf and leaf callus cultures of Begonia rex ''Lucille Closon''. Growth analysis data is given for plants regenerated from leaf cuttings to vivo and in vitro from petiole, axenic leaf, mutiply re-cycled axenic leaf and callus cultures. No significant variation in plant height, plant diameter, leaf number, mean and total leaf area, petiole height and rhizome number and fresh weight was found in any of the progenies. These studies indicate the high stability of Begonia rex ''Lucille Closon'', and indicate a potential for stock-independent cloning via multiple re-cycling of axenic leaves or from callus.