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

Abstract

Potato (Solanunz tuberosunz L.) microtubers are a valuable source for germplasm conservation and disease-free germplasm exchange. Microtuber induction potential of 32 potato cultivars were tested under in vitro conditions. M~crotubers from 06 potato cultivars were stored at 4OC for 3 years and planted in soll. It was observed that tubers retained their viability underlow temperature when tuber dlameter was >5 mm. Such tubers produced healthy plantlets upon transfer to soil. Callusing and shoot initiation occurred from in~crotuber-core explants with different varietal response. Plants were recovered from these shoots by culturing In hormone-free growth medlum.