Comparison of mitotic activity and growth in two long term callus cultures of matricaria recutita L.

Abstract

AbstractCallus cultures of two tetraploid plant of Matricaria recutita L. were initiated from leaves and cultured on LINSMAIER‐SKOOG culture medium supplemented with 0.01 mg · 1−1 IAA or 3.00 mg · 1−1 2, 4‐D for three years. The relationship between mitotic activity and growth of calli was studied. The time at which mitotic activity began in both cultures was different. In the callus culture cultivated on the medium with IAA the maximum mitotic activity was observed on the 14th to 17th day of subculture. In the one cultivated on the medium with 2,4‐D, the increase of mitotic activity was observed earlier and corresponded with the beginning of exponential growth. In addition of total mitotic activity individual mitotic phases have also been evaluated. Most mitotically active cells in both cultures were in prophase. Their courses were similar to those of total mitotic activity. Metaphase and telophase stages were present in low frequency. Anaphase occured rarely. The functional dependences of mitotic activity and growth were characterized by appropriate mathematical models.