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Submitted to: American Journal of Potato Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 6/17/1999 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: While the typical potato crop is grown from potato tuber "eyes", germplasm conservationists, breeders and other scientists routinely work with true (botanical) potato seeds. Factors which influence the final percent germination and convenience of sowing therefore have practical importance. Soaking seeds of potato species in a solution of the plant hormone gibberellin (GA) prior to sowing has been shown to enhance germination. However, sowing seeds in a dry state is often more convenient. Model seedlots were selected which had very high germination when soaked in GA and very low without it (i.e., very dependent on GA). These were expected to provide a sensitive test for any germination decline (reduced effectiveness of GA) due to redrying of GA-treated seeds. Final percent germination was nearly identical whether seeds were re-dried or not. This research will enable scientists to redry GA treated seeds without concern that the germination-enhancing effect of GA will be impared by redrying. Technical Abstract: Soaking true seeds of potato species in gibberellin (GA) solution prior to sowing has been shown to enhance germination. However, it is often more convenient to sow dry seeds. Model seedlots were selected which had very high germination when soaked in GA and very low without it (i.e., very dependent on GA). These were assumed to provide a sensitive test for germination decline when GA-treated seeds are re-dried. Final percent germination was nearly identical whether seeds were re-dried or not. Thus seeds can be redried whenever convenient without concern that the germination-enhancing effect of GA will be impared by redrying. |
