Adventitious root formation in leaf-bud cuttings of tea (Camellia sinensis L.)

Anatomical changes during adventitious root initiation are described in cuttings with single leaf and node of Turkish tea (Camellia sinensis L.) clone Fener-3. In this clone no preformed root initials or primordia were found. The rooting process consists of these stages; cuttings exhibited meristematic activity of vascular zone (especially, phloem parenchyma), root initial formation, differentiation of root primordia, and root elongation. Thus, adventitious root primordia arose from near the vascular cambium and secondary phloem parenchymatous tissue also contributed. Continuous cell division. elongation and differentiation within callus gave rise to formation of root primordia. Presence of perivascular fibers and sclereids did no mechanical barrier in inhibition of root formation and to retard rooting. The development of adventitious roots is directly correlated with the appearance of root initials. According to the process of root initiation, cuttings of Fener-3 Turkish tea clone may be described as easy to root.