Expression of Mature Characteristics by Tissue Culture Plantlets Derived from Embryos of Loblolly Pine

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Abstract
In a field study comparing seedlings and tissue culture plantlets of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) after two growing seasons, the plantlets had numerous growth and morphological characteristics of mature trees. The appearance of mature traits was surprising, since the plantlets originated from juvenile, embryonic tissues. Evidence from other studies with tissue culture propagation of pine species suggests that plantlets often express mature characteristics. Some of the characteristics of the loblolly pine plantlets, such as lower incidence of fusiform rust [Cronartium quercuum Berk. Miyabe ex Shirai f. sp. fusiforme (Cumm.) Burds. et Snow], fewer branches, and less taper, would be of great economic advantage if the growth rates remain similar to comparison seedlings.

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