Development of Tuber Stachys as a potential vegetable crop
Stachys tubers have long been used in Asian countries as a healthy vegetable (Stachys affinis). We aim to test whether a native American tuber stachys (Stachys floridana) as a potential alternative as a vegetable crop. We examined two accessions of Florida stachys: wildtype and a mutant selected from the UMN trials. Using light, fluorescence and scanning electron microscopies, we have examined plant morphology, pollen viability, and leaf surface features. They both showed potential for being used as tuber vegetables. We did also perform chemical induction for polyploids in order to develop new variations.
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