Some factors affecting growth of embryos of Dendrophthoe falcata in cultures

Abstract

This investigation deals with the effects of light, endosperm, endosperm extract, and position of the embryo on germination in vitro of the embryos of Dendrophthoe falcata, a stem-parasitic mistletoe.If the embryos are cultured while still enclosed in the endosperm, germination is delayed, the holdfast is massive, and occasionally there is a formation of buds on the holdfast. These effects have also been induced by the addition of endosperm extract to the medium. The embryos fail to germinate if they are completely immersed in the medium. At early stages, light does not seem to have any beneficial influence, but for healthy growth of the seedling, it is indispensible.