Mutation breeding techniques and behaviour of irradiated shoot apices of potato

Abstract

An attempt was made to produce a di(ha)ploid tester clone with marker genes in an heterozygous condition for studies on induced mutations in potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.). Literature on potato mutations was reviewed. Formation of adventitious roots and shoots from potato leaves, leaflets and stem parts was studied in vivo. Roots formed easily, but adventitious shoots were very few. Techniques in vitro were more promising. After a review of literature on shoot apices, damage and recovery of irradiated potato shoot apices was studied in whole plants as well as from changes in tuber-skin colour caused by histogenic effects and from microscopic slides made during a 20-day period after irradiation.<p/