The role of calcium nutrition in potato (Solanum tuberosum) microplants in relation to minimal growth over prolonged storage in vitro
2005
Sarkar, D. | Pandey, S.K. | Chanemougasoundharam, A. | Sud, K.C.
The present study investigated the effect of different levels of Ca[ext] (0.3, 3.0, 5.0, 7.0, 9.0 and 11.0 mM) on potato over minimal growth in vitro in relation to varying water stress levels and moisture vapour transmission regimes using 45Ca as an isotopic tracer. Ca nutrition was substantially limited when the microplants were grown at enhanced water stress level (MS + 40 g l(-1) sucrose + 20 g l(-1) mannitol) under minimal growth. Ca[ext] in excess of standard level (3.0 mM), however, resulted in a significant increase in Ca content in microplants. The differential Ca uptake in microplants in relation to water stress and moisture vapour transmission has been discussed in terms of transpiration stream and root pressure water flow under minimal growth. The study showed that poor microplant quality at standard Ca[ext] over prolonged storage under minimal growth was due to limiting Ca nutrition, and this could be improved by using Ca[ext]-enriched (5.0-7.0 mM) minimal growth medium for conservation of potato microplants. The role of high Ca[ext] in reducing the phenotypic abnormalities such as vitrification, flaccidity, hyperhydricity, etc. in potato microplants over extended storage under minimal growth has also been discussed.
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