BIOLOGICAL-ACTIVITY OF GALACTOGLUCOMANNAN-DERIVED OLIGOSACCHARIDES

A mixture of galactoglucomannan-derived oligosaccharides (GGMOs), degr ee of polymerization 4-8, (approximate to 1.2 mu M and approximate to 12 mu M) stimulated the viability of spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst] e mbryos predominately on media supplemented with indole-3-acetic acid: zeatin (0.01:1, 1:0.01 mg 1(-1)), at pH 5.0. Their effects on the deve lopment and morphogenesis of embryos were dependent on the culture con ditions used. These GGMOs also improved the viability of spruce protop lasts when applied at the same concentrations in combination with 1-na phthaleneacetic acid, and to a lesser extent with 2,4-dichlorophenoxya cetic acid at pH 3.8. Viability was also maintained in the presence of GGMOs when the growth hormones were absent; however, the efficiency o f protoplast division was low.