In vitro induction and selection of mutants obtained through gamma irradiation with improved processing traits in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Abstract

Purpose

This manuscript aimed for the generation of γ-irradiation derived mutants of potato genotype PAU/RR-1501 possessing desirable processing traits.

Materials and Methods

Nodal cuttings from virus-free explants were established on basal MS medium and irradiated with different doses (0, 5, 10 and 20 Gy) of γ-irradiation. The 5 and 10 Gy treated plantlets were multiplied and used for micro-tuber induction. Harvested micro-tubers were planted in pots for the selection and evaluation of mutants in M1V2 generation.

Results

Four weeks post-treatment, plantlets (5 Gy) showed enhanced growth as compared to the control while 20 Gy treatment exhibited completely ceased shoot growth. The highest number and weight of mini-tubers per plant was recorded for 10 Gy followed by 5 Gy treatment as compared to control. The γ-irradiation treatments caused changes in the skin color and shape of M1V2 tubers.

Conclusion

Under the 5 Gy treatment 49.9% of clones produced exhibited cream and 8.53% brown skin color. Nine putative mutants were identified in genotype PAU/RR-1501 exhibiting promising processing traits.

Keywords:

• Induction
• in vitro
• micro-tubers
• mutants
• potato
• processing

Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to the Director of Research, PAU, Ludhiana and the Head, Department of Vegetable Science, PAU, Ludhiana for providing the necessary infrastructural facilities and funds for the execution of the research work.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

The authors graciously thank Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, New Delhi for providing the necessary financial assistance in the project under Nanotechnology for agriculture applications scheme.

Notes on contributors

Rupinder Kaur

Rupinder Kaur was a M.Sc. student at the Department of Vegetable Science of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. During her M.Sc., she worked on mutation breeding in potato. She is interested in tissue culture, and mutation breeding.

Sat Pal Sharma

Sat Pal Sharma is a Principal Vegetable Breeder at the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India. He received a Ph.D. degree in Horticultural Sciences from Texas A&M University, College Station, USA. Currently, he is working on the genetic improvement of potato and muskmelon. He is interested in genetic enhancement, understanding of genetic mechanisms and cultivar development.

Anu Kalia

Anu Kalia is a Scientist (Nanotechnology) at the Department of Soil Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India. She received a Ph.D. degree from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Currently, she is working on microbiological and nanoscience applications in crop plants. She is interested in the synthesis of nanoscale plant nutrients, nanomaterial-microbe interactions and applications of microscopy in crop sciences.

Navraj Kaur

Navraj Kaur Sarao is a Principal Biotechnologist at the School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India. She received a Ph.D. degree from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Currently, she is working on the application of biotechnological approaches in vegetable crops. She is interested in molecular breeding, understanding genetic inheritance and haploid production.

Pooja Manchanda

Pooja Manchanda is a Molecular Geneticist at the School of Agricultural Biotechnology of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India. She received a Ph.D. degree from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Currently, she is working on genome editing in crop plants. She is interested in tissue culture, genetic transformation, and genome editing.