Leaf Morphology Affects Horseradish Regeneration In Vitro.

The morphology of horseradish (Armoracia rusticana P. Gaertn., B. Mey & Scherb.) leaves varies through the growing season. The leaves range from laminate (complete) in the summer to pinnate (fern-leaf) toward the end of the growing season in the fall, with intermediate types appearing regularly. The causes of these changes are not understood. To determine whether leaf morphology affects their ability to regenerate adventitious shoots in vitro, laminate, pinnate, and intermediate leaves of 10 horseradish cultivars were established in vitro. Laminate leaves were more likely to regenerate shoots (77%) than other leaves (23%). It is recommended that laminate leaves be used as explants to regenerate horseradish plants in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]