Morphological and histological studies of the effects of sodium cyclamate on Haworthia callus in vitro
Haworthia variegata callus grew and differentiated normally and produced many plantlets in the control medium containing 2 to 3% sucrose. This medium stimulated cell division, vascularization, and primordia formation as evidenced by histological studies. The growth of the callus on 1% cyclamate with or without 2% sucrose media was inhibited to such an extent that the explants produced only a few nodules and plantlets, and further development was not observed. Similarly, the occurrence of cell division, vascularization, and production of primordial initials was reduced to a minimum. On 3% cyclamate with or without 2% sucrose media, the callus growth was completely inhibited and the explants began to shrivel up 8–10 weeks after inoculation and died. Neither the vascular tissues nor the primordial initials were seen in the explant sections and the cells were distorted and ragged. However, sodium cyclamate did not induce chromosomal damage in Haworthia cells.