Versuche zur somatischen Beeinflussung der Organbildung pflanzlicher Embryonen

Abstract

Experiments on influencing cotyledon formation in embryos ofEranthis hiemalis are reported. By treating the seeds with 100–2000 ppm solutions of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid, α-naphthylacetic acid and even isopropyl N-phenyl carbamate one can obtain significant increases in twinning and in cotyledon anomalies (syncotyly and pleiocotyly of all degrees). Embryos can be successfully treated until approximately 2 weeks after initial opening of the follicles. X-radiations achieve the same effect, with doses of 2000–4000r corresponding to the treatments with 1000–2000 ppm 2,4-D-solutions. By using weaker concentrations and with sudden temperature changes one can likewise raise the percentage of syn-, tri- and tetracotyls, but pleiocotyls of the higher degrees (5 and more cotyledons) appear only when more intensive methods of treatment are employed. These forms which exceed the normal range of variability arise as bud-like embryo regenerates on the as yet undifferentiated original embryo.