THE EFFECTS OF AMINO ACIDS UPON THE DEVELOPMENT OF EXCISED FLORAL BUDS OF AQUILEGIA

Young excised floral buds of Aquilegia were grown on a chemically defined medium containing various concentrations of single amino acids or mixtures of amino acids. γ-Amino butyric acid significantly promoted floral development through the initiation and differentiation of carpels. These floral organs were generally absent on the basal medium. Alanine, glutamic acid, and aspartic acid had no effect upon floral development. All other amino acids were either ineffective at lower concentrations and inhibitory at higher concentrations or were inhibitory at all concentrations. Casein hydrolysate and a mixture of amino acids found in coconut milk were ineffective. The addition of both γ-amino butyric acid and alanine to the basal medium promoted development approaching that achieved on the coconut-milk medium. However, further growth factors appear to be required before development on coconut-milk medium is equalled or exceeded.