Abstract
An improved technique is described for the culture of explants from Helianthus tuberosus L. (Jerusalem artichoke). No xylem is formed when tuber discs are pre-cultured on a medium containing ßNAA, allowing uninfected discs to be selected for investigation of xylogenesis. Subsequent growth on a medium containing 0.45μM 2,4-D and 9.3μM kinetin stimulates a high proportion (up to 36%) of the cells to differentiate into xylem elements within a relatively short time (between 1 and 3 d after transfer).