Effect of propagation and rooting conditions on acclimatization of micropropagated plants

Plantlets of Calathea ornata rooted at frequencies varying between 75 and 100% irrespective of the presence of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) or indolebutyric acid (IBA). After transfer to soil all plants grew rapidly with the exception of BAP-rooted plants, probably because these plants lacked lateral roots. Plantlets of Malus showed slightly improved rooting and considerably improved survival at increasing sucrose concentration from 20 to 30 g I-1 during multiplication. Their survival and performance after planting in soil depended upon the number of roots formed in rooting medium. Elevated C02-levels (800 ml m-3) during acclimatization increased survival rate and plant height of rooted and non-rooted plantlets.