Synseeds in potato: an investigation using nutrient-encapsulated in vitro nodal segments

Production and use of synthetic seeds for potato propagation was studied using alginate-mediated, nutrient-encapsulated, in vitro nodal shoot segments. Micropropagated single node cuttings 5 mm long were encapsulated in calcium-free 3% sodium alginate-MS solution and were incubated under light (ca, 60 mu E m(-2) s(-1) light intensity) at 24 +/- 1 degrees C for 3, 6 or 9 days. The encapsulated segments were treated with rooting hormone powder either before or after light incubation and were then planted in plastic trays containing 1:1 mixture of soil and FYM. A decline in survival of alginate capsules occurred when they were incubated under light for longer than 3 days. Application of rooting hormone powder at the time of planting was highly effective for soil establishment of alginate capsules. As high as 57% encapsulated segments survived in the soil when they were incubated under light for 3 days and treated with rooting hormone powder at the time of planting. The study showed that micropropagated nodal segments encapsulated in alginate-MS solution can be used for potato propagule production. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.