Effect of explant type and immersion frequency on potato microtubers cv. `Andinita' production in Temporary Immersion Systems

Abstract

The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the most important crops. Commercial production of microtubers in temporary immersion systems could represent a qualitative step in the production of planting material. This study aimed to determine the effect of explant type and immersion frequency in the formation and development of microtubers of potato cv. `Andinita' in temporary immersion systems. The effect of three immersion frequencies (every 2, 3 and 4 h) and three types of explants (apical buds, first and second nodal segments) was evaluated. Each culture vessel was inoculated with 100 explants, for a total of nine treatments with three replicates each one. In all treatments with an immersion every 4 h were achieved best results with respect to height of the plants, whereas, by combining this immersion frequency and apical buds, was obtained the higher number of nodal segments per plant (10.5). In the tuberization stage over 88% of the microtubers obtained presented a diameter greater than 4.0 mm and a fresh mass that ranged between 0.5 and 3.5 g. It was shown that both the immersion frequency and the type of explant influenced the quality and number of microtubers produced. The best results were obtained with an immersion every 4 h and apical buds as initial explants with 4.9 microtubers per plant. Key words: apical buds, immersion frequency, seed