Association for Biology Laboratory Education

Use of plant tissue cultures for the demonstration of plant mineral nutrient deficiency symptoms
 

Michael J. Bosela, Nicholas Becker, & Kirk Bradtmiller

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2009, Volume 30

Abstract

In this lab, students compare seedling tissue cultures of tomato (cv. Micro-Tom) grown on eight different media; positive and negative controls and six experimental media each lacking one of the following essential nutrients (calcium, nitrogen, phosphorous, magnesium, potassium, or iron). To assist instructors with little or no prior plant tissue culture experience, I have provided detailed protocols for several of the more specialist components of the experimentation (e.g., media preparation, seed sterilization, etc.). References to plant tissue culture training opportunities and web-based plant tissue culture resources are also included.

Keywords:  tissue culture, nutrition, nutrients

University of Toronto, Mississauga (2008)