GRAFT FORMATION IN CULTURED, EXPLANTED INTERNODES

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Abstract
Summary: A novel method is described in which the two halves of an explanted internode of Lycopersicon esculentum, Datura stramonium or Nicandra physaloides may be grafted together successfully in sterile culture. An absolute requirement for the formation of a successful graft is the application of indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA at 0.2 to 2.0 mg l−1) to the apical end of the internode. The addition of kinetin (0.2 mg l−1) to the culture medium stimulated graft development but gibberellic acid (GA3 at 0−5 mg l−1) was inhibitory. The development of the graft as measured by an increase in mechanical strength and the formation of vascular connections was similar to that observed in whole plant grafts; however, fewer differentiated wound vessel members (WVMs) were detected. This technique should provide a powerful tool for the further study of graft development in compatible and incompatible combinations.