title: Auxin pulse treatment holds the potential to enhance efficiency and practicability of somatic embryogenesis in potato.
abstract: The objective of the current study was to simplify existing somatic embryogenesis systems in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cv. Desiree. The project targeted the agar-based induction phase of the potato somatic embryogenesis process as the key area for improvement. Experiments were established to ascertain the effect of a 2,4-D (2,4 dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) pulse, applied to the primary internodal section explant source and its subsequent effect on embryo induction. Parameters tested were the duration of the auxin pulse in a range from 0 to 300 min, and the concentrations of 2,4-D applied, in a range from 0 to 5,120 microM. The mean number of somatic embryos formed per explant was recorded after 4 and 8 weeks culture. Our findings indicated that the somatic embryogenesis in potato internodal segments could be evoked by an auxin (2,4-D) pulse treatment over a wide concentration and duration range. The results further suggested that a simple 20 microM 2,4-D pulse treatment could replace a lengthy 2 week induction phase in potato somatic embryogenesis and thus improve the system's practicability for wider uptake.
authors.affiliation: Genetics Programme, Scottish Crop Research Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee, DD2 5DA, UK.
authors.forename: Sanjeev Kumar
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: Glenn J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Bryan
authors.forename: Steve
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Millam
mesh_terms: D015084:2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D007210:Indoleacetic Acids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011198:Solanum tuberosum / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000196:embryology*; D013997:Time Factors; D046509:Tissue Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D007210:Indoleacetic Acids; D015084:2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid