An improved technique for the culture of jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) explants for use in the study of xylem differentiation.

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).