THE PREPARATION INVITRO OF CHRYSANTHEMUM FOR TRANSPLANTATION TO SOIL .1. PROTECTION OF ROOTS BY CELLULOSE PLUGS

Plantlets of Chrysanthemum x morifolium were grown in vitro either in cellulose plugs (Sorbarods) that were saturated with liquid culture medium or on agar-solidified medium. After transplantation and exposure to an atmosphere of reduced humidity, plantlets in Sorbarods wilted less but transpired more water than plantlets taken bare-rooted from agar. These effects indicated a superior water uptake by the roots in Sorbarods, which was attributed to an increase in number of roots, a reduction in the damage they sustained during transplantation and improved contact between roots and substrate. Various potential advantages in the use of Sorbarods in conjunction with liquid medium are discussed. © 1990 Kluwer Academic Publishers.