Structural differences between hyperhydric and normal in vitro shoots of Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart. ex DC) Mattos (Bignoniaceae)

The anatomy of normal and hyperhydric shoots (leaves and stems) of in vitro Handroanthus impetiginosus was compared using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. In contrast to normal shoots, hyperhydric shoots presented numerous anatomical abnormalities at the proliferation stage. Disorganized cortex, epidermal holes, epidermal discontinuity, collapsed cells, and other structural characteristics were observed in hyperhydric shoots. So, by using anatomical analysis of in vitro H. impetiginosus shoots at the proliferation stage, we can predict which plants will survive the rhizogenesis and acclimatization stages.