Tumorigenesis on mineral-deficient tomato plants.

SUMMARY Tumor morphogenesis on stems of Lycopersicon eseulen turn, variety Rutgers initiated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens varies with the absence of certain elements from the nutrient solutions. Examinations of the tumors on plants grown in complete and incomplete nutrient solutions revealed different quantities and sizes of vessel elements as well as differences in the quantities of soluble protein. The absence of nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium, in that order, was most effective in the reduction of tumor proliferation. The experimental find ings reported in this study demonstrate that in tumors, growth rates, development, and internal tissue patterns are influenced by the absence or presence of certain minerals.