EFFECT OF GAJ ON OFF-SEASON SPROUTING AND in vitro REGENERATION IN THREE POTATO VARIETIES

Abstract

Off-season sprouting ability and in vitro regeneration potentiality were investigated to establish a rapid multiplication protocol in three potato varieties viz, Diamant, Cardinal and Granola. The results revealed that sprout initiation time, sprout length and sprout number were directly related to the concentration of GA, applied. Higher concentration (400 ppm) of GA, showed better performance for all the parameters studied. Among the three varieties, Granola showed quick response to GA, application. MS medium supplemented with I, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mg/L of GA, were employed for in vitro regeneration of these three cultivars. Among all the treatments, MS medium + 4.0 mg/L of GA, showed the best performance on multiple shooting. The hormone IBA was applied for root induction on the regenerated shoot of the potato varieties. In all the varieties 2 rng/L of IBA showed the highest root induction. Variety Granola was the most responsive in both shoots and root development. The regenerated plantlets were acclimatized in natural environment Among them almost 90% plants ultimately survived.