EFFECT OF SELECTED POLYSACCHARIDE-PRODUCING SOIL BACTERIA ON HYPERHYDRICITY CONTROL IN OREGANO TISSUE-CULTURES

Hyperhydricity, or vitrification, is a physiological malformation affe cting tissue culture-generated plants. This malformation is associated with excessive hydration and poor lignification and results in poor r egeneration of plants. We have tested hyperhydricity prevention in ore gano by several nonspecific polysaccharide-producing rhizosphere bacte ria. Among these bacteria, Pseudomonas mucidolens and another Pseudomo nas sp. prevented hyperhydricity and improved acclimation of oregano c lones. These two bacteria have more advantages for commercial applicat ions than Pseudomonas strains isolated previously from oregano.