Time division cycle in tea (Camellia sinensis) cultures

Abstract

Propagations of tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) 0. Kuntze) through tissue culture is gaining momentum worldwide. We have studied the cell division cycle at regular intervals to optimise the medium and time period when maximum mitotic activity is seen. The study also includes effect of medium constituents on the genomic stability since such reports on cell division in 'In vitroJ'grown tissues in woody perennials are scanty. Perceptible differences in the mitotic indices were noticed in the cells from root tips, callus and somatic embryos growing under identical conditions. Best response was found in cells of the actively growing root tips. Further, it was seen that there was a very narrow time frame when the cells accounted for maximum divisional activity. Values for mitotic indices varied with the composition of media and growth regulator employed. This information could be helpful for better understanding of the somaclonal variations.