An in vitro model for the study of hydroponic forcing in chicory (Cichorium intybus)

An in vitro model for studying the influence of different factors on chicon formation during hydroponic forcing has been developed. The shoot apex was isolated from the chicory roots and cultured on a gelled nutrient medium. This medium was considered as a replacement of the root. Small chicons (5 g ) were produced. Water and, more importantly, sucrose availability had impo rtant influences on the outgrowth of the chicons. When sucrose was added to the medium the chicon-weight increased two-fold. On a medium with low agar concentration (0.3% (w/v)), heavier chicons were produced compared with a medium with agar at 1.2% (w/v). Browning of the pith tissue (= flowering st em) decreased with increased agar concentration. The results presented indi cate that the in vitro system can be used as a research model to study chic on development in relation to root functioning and composition.