months of growth(after 2 and 4 passages in 20-24 plantlets from each treat- ment. This experiment was repeated twice(2 x 8 months. 17-19 plantlets from each treatment were divided into roots and shoots. Then both the shoot and root samples were washed in distilled water and placed in a forced air oven to dry at 70 C for 72 hrs. The dried plant materi- al was digested in a diacid HNO HClo mixture. After dilution, the digests using the ASA method. The remaining plantlets were washed gently with tap water to remove traces of agar and nutrients, after which they were transplanted into plastic pots containing wet pieces of bark. The pots and plantlets were covered with a plastic bag for 2 wccks and werc transferrcd into a plant growth chambcr