Carbohydrate and nitrogen sources affect respectively in vitro germination of immature ovules and early seedling growth of Impatiens platypetala Lindl.

In vitro germination of 20-day old immature ovules of Impatiens platypetala Lindl. was inhibited at concentrations as low as 50 mM sucrose or mannitol and 100 mM glucose. Younger ovules (12, 14, and 16 days old) were similarly inhibited at 100 mM sucrose.Inorganic nitrogen concentration did not affect germination regardless of ovule age, but seedling fresh weight was significantly less and abnormal development of seedlings was significantly increased by total inorganic nitrogen concentrations higher or lower than 30 mM (at a ratio of 20: 10 mM NO₃^-: NH₄⁺) in the culture medium.