IN-VITRO AND EX-VITRO ADVENTITIOUS ROOT-FORMATION IN ASIAN JASMINE (TRACHELOSPERMUM-ASIATICUM) .1. COMPARATIVE MORPHOLOGY

One-node explants and one-node stem cuttings of Asian jasmine [Trachelospermum asiaticum (Siebold and Zucc.) Nakai] were rooted, respectively, in vitro [tissue culture (TC)] or by conventional macropropagation (MACRO). The TC and MACRO stem bases were then analyzed for differences in the time-course sequence of 1) root primordia initiation and development and 2) adventitious root xylem development and root-to-shoot xylem connections. Early root primordia were observed at Day 3, and, by Day 7, root-to-shoot xylem connections were equally developed in TC and MACRO systems. Continued development and emergence of adventitious roots were observed at Days 8 to 10. At Days 13 and 18, when viewed using scanning electron microscopy, TC root hairs were morphologically thicker and one-third to one-half the length of MACRO root hairs. There was no apparent difference in root-hair density. Inferior TC root-hair length may be a factor in the acclimation of TC-generated plantlets.