The Effect of Auxins and Antiauxins on Shoot-Bud Induction and Morphology in the Moss, Bryum atrovirens Will ex Brid

Abstract

The protonema of the moss Bryum atrovirens remains bud-free under ordinary cultural conditions on Nitsch's basal medium. Exogenously applied auxins (Indole-3-acetic acid; 2-4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid; α-naphthaleneacetic acid and β-naphthoxyacetic acid) induced buds on protonemata, whereas antiauxins (Maleic hydrazide and 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid) failed to do so. Morphology of the gametophores depended upon the concentration of auxin in the medium. In general, normal leafy gametophores resulted at lower concentrations, and at higher levels of auxins morphology was adversely affected. Simultaneous application of 6-benzylaminopurine and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid advanced bud formation as well as increased bud number, but had no significant effect on the improvement of shoot morphology.