INVITRO CULTURE OF OROBANCHE-AEGYPTIACA

Calli derived from seedlings of the parasitic plant Orobanche aegyptiaca were grown on enriched nutrient agar. Growth was enhanced by the addition of 0.1 mg 1-1 NAA and 5 % coconut milk. The calli developed two kinds of elongated protrusions: thin ones which resemble the young root radicle and thick ones which resemble the adventitious roots of Orobanche plants. Both formed pad-like structures when touching the substrate. In liquid culture, some of the calli were observed to surround isolated cultured tomato roots. © 1991 Annals of Botany Company.