Microtubers of potato (Solanum tuuberosum L.) in vitro conservation and tissue culture

Abstract

Potato (Solanunz tuberosunz L.) microtubers a r e a valuable source f o r g e r m p l a s m c o n s e r v a t i o n a n d d i s e a s e-f r e e g e r m p l a s m e x c h a n g e. Microtuber induction potential of 32 potato cultivars were tested under in vitro conditions. M~crotubers from 06 potato cultivars were stored a t 4OC for 3 years and planted in soll. I t was observed t h a t tubers retained their viability underlow temperature when tuber dlameter was >5 mm. Such tubers produced healthy plantlets u p o n t r a n s f e r to soil. C a l l u s i n g a n d s h o o t i n i t i a t i o n occurred from in~crotuber-core explants with different varietal response. Plants were recovered from these shoots by culturing In hormone-free growth medlum.