Tissue culture containers are closed as tight as possible to prevent contamination. However, in a completely closed container accumulation of gases can occur, which possibly lead to abnormalities in plant cultures such as growth reduction (Fig. 1), albinism (Fig. 2) or necrosis.

Fig. 3 and 4 illustrate that large variations in time and within different containers occur in the levels measured for the different gases, probably due to differences in the container (type, closure and gas exchange).

Fig. 1: growth reduction

Fig. 2 Albinism

Fig. 3. Evolution of carbon
dioxide content in honey-jars

Fig. 4. Evolution of (A) carbon dioxide
content in honey-jars and (B) ethylene
content in Schott flasks during 9 weeks
culture of Magnolia shoots