Vitrification and soluble carbohydrate levels inPetunia leaves as influenced by media gelrite and sucrose concentrations.

Normal nodal segments ofPetunia hybrida were grown on Murashige and Skoog salts containing varied levels of Gelrite and sucrose. Higher concentrations of Gelrite decreased vitrification while increased sucrose concentrations promoted vitrification. Leaves of vitreous plants had higher levels of reducing sugars and sucrose but lower or undetectable levels of inositol as compared to normal plants. Normal plants on medium void of inositol have the ability to synthesize inositol and maintain levels equal to that found in plants from inositol containing media.