TISSUE-CULTURE RESPONSE IN VARIOUS WILD AND CULTIVATED SOLANUM GERMPLASM ACCESSIONS FOR EXPLOITATION IN POTATO BREEDING

The response to different in vitro methods for use in potato breeding has been evaluated in 11 genotypes of 5 Solanum species, S. etuberosum, S. lycopersicoides, S, maglia, S. rickii, and S. tuberosum. Callus induction and growth, and shoot regeneration were strongly influenced by the genotype, explant source, and medium utilized. Furthermore, considerable differences among the 11 genotypes were found both in plating efficiency and shoot regeneration from protoplast culture. Some interesting correlations were found between different tissue culture responses, suggesting linkage and/or pleiotropic effect of genes. The potential application to potato breeding of the in vitro techniques analyzed is discussed.