Shoot regeneration and in vitro microtuber formation in potato (Solanum tuberosum L)

Maximum number of shoots was regenerated from shoot tips and nodal segments of in vitro derived potato (Solanun tuberosum L.) plantlets when 1.0 mg/l BAP was added to either MS or 1/2 MS media. Although the number of shoots was higher in half MS medium the regenerated shoots were much more healthier when growing in full strength of MS medium. Various concentrations and combinations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), chlorocoline chloride (CCC) and sucrose were used in MS, modified MS (MMS(1), MMS(2) and MMS(3)) media for initiation and production of its vitro microtubers using the regernrated shoots. Best response to both initiation and production of microtubers were observed in MMS 1 medium containing 5.0 mg/l BAP + 500 mg/l CCC + 9% sucrose at 18 degrees C in dark. Among the four varieties Diamant produced a maximum number of 41.5 microtubers per 100 ml flask within 90-96 days. Cent per cent germination of these microtubers was obtained at room temperature (25-29 degrees C) before planting them into the field.