GROWTH-PARAMETERS, NUTRIENT-UPTAKE AND MATURATION CAPACITY OF 2 CELL-LINES OF NORWAY SPRUCE (PICEA-ABIES) IN SUSPENSION-CULTURE

Growth parameters, nutrient uptake and maturation capacity were monito red for two genotypes of embryogenic suspension cultures of Norway spr uce (Picea abies) during a 21-day culture period. The cell lines of th e two genotypes were characterized as typical A- and B-types based on morphology, growth characteristics and maturation capacity as first de scribed by Jalonen and von Arnold (1991). Maturation of the A-type cel l line was similar after proliferation in the two tested media, wherea s the maturation of the B-type cell line was clearly influenced by the proliferation medium. The proliferation medium affected the cellular composition of the cultures, which in turn influenced the maturation c apacity. Growth kinetics of the two types of cultures were analysed by means of sedimented cell volume, dry weight, pH, conductivity and osm olality. Growth parameters were compared with uptake of carbohydrates, ammonium and nitrate. Major differences in relation to growth kinetic s and nutrient uptake were revealed between the two types of cell line s and these differences are discussed in relation to morphology and ma turation capacity.