THE EFFECT OF STARCH AND INCUBATION-TEMPERATURE IN ANTHER CULTURE OF POTATO

Three Andean tetraploid potato genotypes (2n = 48) and 7 anther-derived dihaploids (2n = 24) originating from two of the tetraploids were used in anther culture. Relative number of embryos/vial was significantly higher when the anther culture media was gelatinized with 3% potato starch than when Gelrite or wheat starch (3%) were used as gelatinizing agents. The degree of anther culture response varied between tetraploids but also within a group of related dihaploids. Additionally, the embryo production of individual genotypes, tetraploids as well as dihaploids, was dependent on the incubation temperature (10, 15, 20, 25, 30-degrees-C) of the anther culture. The incubation temperature of the anther culture was also important for the regeneration rate. Direct regeneration was mostly stimulated when the anther culture was incubated at 20-degrees-C.