ABSTRACT

In this study, plants derived from Helianthus annuus L. (sunflower) seeds by using the embryo culture method were studied to preserve them at low temprature and to determine the anatomical and karyological changes. The germinated control plants were grown in the sand. The experimental group were cultured on MS embryo culture medium containing, 0,5 mg/l BAP and 0,1 mg/l NAA. One-half of these plants were kept at 16/8 hours photoperiod at 25 o C, and the remains kept in the dark at 4 o C. In the anatomical evaluation, structures such as epidermis, cortex parenchyma, parenchyma, vascular bundles of experimental group plants showed some major differences than the control. Mitotic index values have been identified 22,9% in the control, 60% in the experimental group grown at photoperiod at 25 o C, 10,1% in plants treated with dark and chilling. All of these abnormalities disappeared at normal culture conditions and plants showed healthy development. In conclusion, it is recommended that chilling storage of sunflower is a utilizable method.