GROWTH OF EXCISED PEA EMBRYONIC AXES ON DIFFERENT SUGARS

Excised pea embryonic axes were cultured on mineral salts plus various carbon sources. Growth continued for at least 3 wk, as measured by increased length, fresh and dry wt, sugar content, and β ‐amylase activity. The optimum sucrose concentration for elongation and fresh wt accumulation was 5% (w/v), although dry wt and sugar content increased in cultures containing 10 to 20%. Comparable growth was observed for axes cultured on 2% sucrose, glucose, fructose, or maltose.