The influence of the osmotic potential of the cultivation medium on the development of excised flax embryos

Abstract

The development of excised flax embryos of different age was followed in nutrient media with different osmotic values. Sucrose media with the osmotic value 4.0 bar. (5%) sucrose were the most suitable for the cultivation of excised 7 and 14 days old flax embryos. Nutrient media with the osmotic potential 1·7 bar (2% sucrose) were optimal for 28 days old embryos. The most convenient osmotic potential for optimal root growth was 4.0 bar and for hypocotyls and stems 1.7 bar. High osmotic value of the cultivation media prevented the germination of the embryos and lower osmotic value promoted the germination. Mannitol, when compared with sucrose, inhibited the development and germination of the embryos. Different abnormalities often occurred on the media with mannitol. Agar media were superior to liquid media for the cultivation of explanted embryos.