Plantlet formation from internode bases of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) in vivo - useful to mutation breeding or not?

After decapitation of the main shoot and subsequently the axillary shoots of carnation plants, annular zones extending between axils of opposite leaves produced numerous buds. Low temperatures (10-14 deg C) were essential for this bud formation, which was restricted to young internodes. The season affected the time till bud formation, and determined whether the buds were formed from the main axis or the laterals. Indications were found that these buds were adventitious. The possibility of using these buds in mutation breeding, and the possible risks if they are formed during clonal micropropagation in vitro, are discussed. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission