Developing a System to Produce Uniform Micropropagated Horseradish (Armoracia Rusticana) Plants in Vitro

Abstract

Overall, TC plants were found to be productive and gave larger root yields and less discoloration than root cutting-derived plants used in traditional propagation methods. The results are encouraging and have been presented to the Illinois Horseradish Growers Association (Shehata et al. 2004). Eventually these methods could provide an effective and alternative way for Illinois horseradish growers to produce better quality horseradish roots and regain their market share of the crop. The study is expected to help in the efforts toward eliminating horseradish diseases that is threatening the industry. It is considered the first step toward achieving our long term goal to develop a certified root program to deliver disease free horseradish plants to growers. We expect that achieving this goal could solve the current production disease problems, restore the yields, and help Illinois remain the leading state for horseradish production.