Production and use of seedling tubers from true potato seed (TPS) for potato cultivation in Italy

Summary The effect of varying plant population on the production of tubers from potato seedlings was investigated during 1992 and 1993 using three different plant densities: 35, 70, 100 plants/m². Increasing the plant population significantly increased the number of tubers produced, but no significant difference was found between the plant densities of 70 and 100 plants/m². The seedling tubers produced in nursery beds were tested in the field for ware potato production using different sized tubers. The best performances were obtained using tubers 30–40 mm. Significant differences were evident among the 7 true potato seed (TPS) families used, but data grouped by type of cross did not indicate any significant difference between 4X×4X and 4X×2X crossing groups.     

Estimation of genetic parameters for characters related to potato propagation by true seed (TPS) in an andigena population

Genetic variances were estimated for a population ofSolarium tuberosum L. subsp.andigena, selected for adaptation to north temperate climatic conditions. Estimates for 15 traits, including some unique to true seed (TPS) propagation, were obtained from trials conducted under short day conditions in Peru. Only non-additive variance was found for yield, but heritability estimates were relatively high for tuber number and tuber size. The results indicated that yield could be increased through selection utilizing additive variance for the component traits, especially tuber size. Estimates of genetic variability for tuber uniformity were low. TPS yield was positively correlated with most other traits except tuber number.     

Seed tuber production from true potato seed (TPS) in Egypt and the influence of environmental conditions in different growing periods

Summary The effect of environmental conditions on seed tuber production from true potato seed (TPS) in nurseries was evaluated in different growing periods during two seasons in Egypt. In the autumn season, high soil and air temperatures reduced emergence and initial foliage development of early-sown seedlings, and decreased tuber yields. In late-sown seedlings low night temperatures and short daylengths caused early tuberization, poor foliage development and low tuber yields. In the spring season, low temperatures and short daylengths resulted in a slow initial foliage development and early haulm-tuber competition for assimilates in early-sown seedlings. However, tuber yields were higher than for late-sown seedlings, presumably because net assimilation and assimilate partitioning to the tubers were impaired by above optimum air and soil temperatures in May and June. Slow development of true seed-sown plants caused a high sensitivity towards adverse environmental conditions and would limit yielding ability in Egypt.     

Potato production from true potato seed (TPS) in Egypt: Effect of the growing season on seedling development,recovery from transplanting and yield

Summary Ware potatoes were produced from true potato seed by transplanting seedlings to the field in different growing periods to evaluate environmental constraints of this production method in the Nile delta. In the autumn season, with high temperatures and long-day conditions during seedling culture in the nursery and transplant establishment in the field, seedling development was fast, and transplants resumed growth within 5 days of transplanting in the field. Tuber yields ranged between 120 and 160 dt ha⁻¹. In the spring season, with low temperatures and short-day conditions during the initial growing phase, seedling development in the nursery was slow and biomass partitioning between above ground organs (stems, leaves) and tubers was shifted towards the tubers. This partitioning was further enhanced by transplanting the seedlings in the field. Seedlings recovered only slowly from transplanting or died. It is concluded that potato production via transplants is poor in the spring season when premature tuberization of seedlings in the nursery leads to slow field establishment and low tuber yield.     

A method of producing seed tubers from true potato seed

Summary First-generation seed tubers (seedling tubers) derived from true potato seed (TPS) were produced in nursery beds; the yields were up to 12 kg and total numbers up to 1242 tubers (>1 g) per m² of bed. Direct sowing of TPS in beds followed by thinning gave yields similar to those from transplanted seedlings and reduced the total growing period. The optimum plant population was 100 plants per m² spaced at 10 cm×10cm. The application of 3 cm of substrate (1∶1 shredded peat moss:sand) after seedling emergence was sufficient to maximize tuber number and to minimize tuber greening. Two or three applications of N-dimethylaminosuccinamic acid (B9) gave sturdier plants but did not increase the number of tubers >1 g. The seedling tubers when multiplied gave yields similar to those of low virus clonal seed tubers. The potential use of this method by farmers in developing countries is discussed.

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Zusammenfassung Für den Kartoffelanbau erscheint die Verwendung von Pflanzkartoffeln, die von Samenkartoffeln (TPS) stammen, als besonders geeignet, weil hier die niedrigen Kosten und der hohe Gesundheitsstandard der TPS vereinigt werden k?nnen mit der gewohnten Handhabung und der schnellen Pflanzenentwicklung bei Pflanzkartoffeln. Die von den TPS stammenden Knollen der ersten Generation (S?mlingsknollen) wurden in Beeten von 1,1 m Breite und 0,25 m Tiefe erzeugt, die mit einer 1∶1 Mischung aus zerkleinertem Torf und Sand gefüllt waren. Ein Vergleich zwischen der direkten Aussaat der TPS in die Beete mit nachfolgendem Ausdünnen und dem Umpflanzen von S?mlingen in die Beete ergab bei der Reifeernte die gleiche Gesamtzahl an Knollen und Ertr?gen (Abb. 1). Die gesamte Wachstumsperiode von der Aussaat an betrug bei der direkten Aussaatmethode 110 Tage, bei der Verpflanzungsmethode aber 125 Tage wegen des dem Umpflanzen nachfolgenden Wachstumsschocks. Die Zunahme der Pflanzenzahl erh?hte den Anteil des mit Bl?ttern bedeckten Bodens (Abb. 2), verringerte die überlebensrate der Pflanzen (Tabelle 1), erh?hte den Knollenertrag und die Anzahl der Knollen, die kleiner oder gr?sser als 1 g waren (Abb. 3) und verringerte nicht die Knollenzahl in einer der Gr?ssenklassen (Abb. 4). Die optimale Pflanzendichte war 100 Pflanzen/m² in Abst?nden von 10 cm × 10 cm; eine gr?ssere Pflanzdichte behinderte das Anh?ufeln. Die Anwendung von 2–3 cm des 1∶1 Torf-Sandgemisches nach dem Auflaufen der S?mlinge f?rderte die Stolonenbildung und erh?hte die Anzahl und das Gewicht der Knollen >1 g im Vergleich zur Kontrolle (Tabelle 2). Bei der Anwendung von 6–7 cm Substrat unterschied sich die Stolonen-und Knollenbildung nur wenig von derjenigen mit 2–3 cm. Die Applikation von N-Dimethylaminobernsteins?ure (B9) ergab kr?ftigere Pflanzen sowie weniger und kürzere Stolonen (Tabelle 3). Die Applikation bei Pflanzenh?hen von 10 und 15 cm beeintr?chtigte nicht die Knollenzahl oder den Ertrag, w?hrend Applikationen bei Pflanzenh?hen von 8, 12 und 20 cm die Anzahl der Knollen, die kleiner als 1 g sind, um 73% erh?hte und das Gesamtgewicht der Knollen, verglichen mit der Kontrolle, verringerte. Die S?mlingsknollen >1 g wurden in bew?sserten Feldern mit einem durchschnittlichen Multiplikationsfaktor (Verh?ltnis zwischen dem gepflanzten und dem geernteten Gewicht) von 22 vermehrt. Eine 10 m² grosse Anzuchtfl?che k?nnte genügend Knollen erzeugen, um nach 3 aufeinanderfolgenden Vermehrungen 200 t Pflanzkartoffeln zu erhalten. Vermehrte S?mlingsknollen der Linie DTO-33 die von offen best?ubten TPS stammten, ergaben gleiche Ertr?ge wie die virusarmen Pflanzkartoffeln des Klones DTO-33. Die Methode, S?mlingsknollen in Anzuchtg?rten zu erzeugen, k?nnte die Landwirte in den Entwicklungsl?ndern in die Lage versetzen, ihre eigenen Pflanzkartoffeln zu produzieren.

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Résumé L'utilisation de plants issus de semences vraies (TPS) semble être une méthode efficace pour la culture de la pomme de terre, car elle associe à un faible co?t un niveau sanitaire élevé des semences vraies, ainsi qu'une facilité de manutention et un développement rapide des plantes à partir des tubercules de semence. La première génération de tubercules (tubercules issus de plantules) provenant de semences vraies a été plantée en billons d'1.1 m de large et 0.25 m de profondeur, remplis d'un mélange 1∶1 de tourbe fragmentée et de sable. Un semis direct suivi d'un éclaircissage, comparé à un repiquage de plantules dans les billons, donne un nombre total de tubercules et un rendement à maturité identique (fig. 1). La période de végétation à partir du semis était de 110 jours mais atteint 125 jours avec la méthode de repiquage, à cause d'un retard de croissance après plantation. L'augmentation conduit à un recouvrement du sol plus rapide par le feuillage (fig. 2), à une diminution de la survie des plantes (tableau 1), à un rendement en tubercules plus important, à un nombre plus élevé de tubercules inférieurs ou supérieurs à 1 g (fig. 3), tandis que le nombre de tubercules par calibre ne diminue pas (fig. 4). La densité optimale est de 100 plantes par m² espacées de 10 cm × 10 cm. Une population plus dense empêche le buttage. Un apport de 2–3 cm du mélange tourbe-sable après la levée de plantules favorise la formation des stolons et augmente le nombre et le poids des tubercules inférieurs à 1 g par rapport au témoin (tableau 2). Un apport de 6–7 cm de substrat donne peut de différence au niveau de la formation des stolons et des tubercules, par rapport à 2–3 cm. Une application d'acide N-dimethylaminosuccinamique (B9) donne des plantes plus vigoureuses et moins de stolons et de longueur plus courte (tableau 3). Une application réalisée au stade 10–15 cm des plantes n'affecte pas le nombre de tubercules ni le rendement, tandis que des applications à 8, 12 et 20 cm augmentent de 73% le nombre de petits tubercules inférieurs à 1 g et diminuent le poids total des tubercules par rapport au témoin. Les tubercules supérieurs à 1 g issus de semences sont multipliés en parcelles irriguées avec un coefficient de multiplication 22 (rapport entre poids récolté et poids planté). 10 m² de surface de multiplication peut produire un nombre de tubercules suffisant pour atteindre 200 tonnes de plants après 3 multiplications successives. Les tubercules obtenus par multiplication à partir de semences vraies de la lignée DTO-33 ont donné des rendements similaires à des plants indemnes de virus issus du cl?ne DTO-33. La méthode de production de plants à partir de semences peut permettre aux producteurs des pays en voie de développement de produire leur propre plant.

     

Effects of plant density on the yield and yield components of true potato seed (TPS) hybrids in early and main crop potato production systems

This study was conducted to evaluate true potato seed (TPS) technology for use in ware or seed potato production in two contrasting environments in Turkey during 2002 and 2003. The field experiments were carried out in the Hatay and Nevsehir provinces in Turkey, which represent a Mediterranean early crop potato production area and a temperate main crop potato production area, respectively. The plug seedlings of six TPS hybrids were transplanted to the fields at four densities (15, 20, 25 or 30 plants m⁻²). The seed tubers of the medium early cultivar Marfona were also planted in the experimental plots to compare the performance of the TPS hybrids with traditional seed tubers. Transplanting of the seedlings was significantly delayed in Hatay due to unsuitable weather conditions in both years. The seedlings needed an adaptation period of 2–4 weeks after transplanting depending on the location and the growing conditions. The adaptation period was longer in Hatay due to high air temperatures after transplanting. Although the yield performance of the TPS hybrids differed depending on the location and year, the TPS hybrids produced noticeably higher total tuber yields in Nevsehir location (ranging from 43.1 to 62.5 t ha⁻¹ in 2002 and from 39.5 to 50.6 t ha⁻¹ in 2003) than in Hatay (ranging from 15.3 to 19.6 t ha⁻¹ in 2002 and from 15.1 to 19.1 t ha⁻¹ in 2003). The percentage of marketable tubers (>28 mm) was also considerably higher in Nevsehir. The optimal plant density varied between 25 and 30 plants m⁻² with regard to the total yield, while the optimal density with regard to the marketable yield was 20 or 25 plants m⁻² depending on hybrids in Nevsehir. However, none of the tested plant densities caused competition between plants in Hatay, where the environmental conditions during the growing period considerably restricted the growth of individual TPS seedlings.It was concluded that transplanting of TPS seedlings can be considered a feasible alternative for ware or seed potato production in temperate environments like Nevsehir that have growing periods of at least 4 months. However, there are several obstacles, such as difficulties with the timing of transplanting, long adaptation period that threaten the practicability of TPS technology in Mediterranean-type environments. Further agronomical studies focused on reducing inter- and intra-plant competition are needed for both environments in order to improve the acceptability of TPS technology to farmers.     

Engineering needs for potato production from true seed

Potatoes grown from true potato seed (TPS) are generally small and nonuniform in size and shape, compared to the ones produced conventionally from seed tubers. Potato production from TPS would be considerably less expensive than from seed tubers because of the negligible storage and handling costs of the TPS. Potato production from TPS would therefore have the greatest potential in the developing countries. In developed countries, this production method would have some potential in commercial production as well as in home gardening. Research related to the TPS potato production has been mostly directed toward investigating suitable cultural practices, screening breeding lines for higher yield and warm climate adaptability, weed control in the field, and other similar production areas. Research concerning mechanization of TPS potato production has been limited. Engineering input to the TPS potato production, handling and storage needs considerable attention to develop practical and economical practices. This paper highlights some research areas which the authors believe are worth investigating. Engineering research that is conducted at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station related to the TPS potato production has been outlined along with future plans.     

Comparative performance of different-sized seed tubers derived from true potato seed

The growth and yield of plants from different-sized seed tubers derived from true potato seed were evaluated on a per stem, per plant, and per unit area basis using either single or multiple-sprout tubers. In single-sprout tubers, haulm dry weight per stem 47 days after planting was greater in the 40–60 g tubers when compared with that in the 5–10 g or the 10–20 g tubers. This resulted in greater tuber weight per stem in the 40–60 g tubers throughout the growing season. The number of tubers per stem was not affected by seed tuber size. In multiple-sprout seed tubers of increasing size, total tuber number and total tuber weight, as well as weight of those tubers larger than 45 mm, increased on a per plant basis but decreased on a per stem basis. At different rates of planting, 1–5 g seed tubers produced smaller tubers than 5–10 g or 10–20 g seed tubers. Increased rate of planting resulted in non-significant yield increases per unit area in plots planted with 1–5 g seed tubers. The yield increases were significant when 5–10 g and 10–20 g seed tubers were planted at higher rates. The number of main stems per unit of seed tuber weight was five times greater in 1–5 g tubers compared with that in 40–60 g tubers. This resulted in low seed weights per hectare when small tubers were planted and in a high ratio of harvested to planted tuber weight.     

Evaluation of potato cultivars,clones and a true seed population for resistance toRhizoctonia solani

Field and laboratory studies were conducted in 1985–1986 to evaluate the relative severity ofRhizoctonia solani damage among 26 clones and five potato (Solanum tuberosum) cultivars. A test with true potato seeds showed that resistance toR. solani could be identified in two years. One highly resistant line was identified by this method. Moderate degrees of resistance were found in lines from the USDA Potato Breeding Program (BARC) with russet types producing a higher percentage of highly resistant lines than round whites. A laboratory test revealed that apical sprout damage (nipping) was variable within and between lines and that it was an important phase of disease development to measure when determining resistance because of its effects on the resulting plant growth and production of marketable tubers. It was also determined that to accurately define resistance toR. solani in potato, all phases of the disease must be evaluated to insure against resistance “breakdown” at some point in plant development.     

Selection for improvement of potato populations grown from true seed

Field trials were conducted at Freeville, NY to determine if hybrid seedling populations ofSolanum tuberosum L. could be improved by two types of mass selection. Hill and bulk selections plus unselected controls were saved after harvesting tubers from transplanted seedlings of four Neo-Tuberosum × Tuberosum hybrids in 1982. Tubers from these three treatments were planted in a split plot design for comparison in 1983. Yields were increased 14 to 16% by hill selection; plants from this treatment were the largest and most vigorous. Uniformity of tuber shape and overall tuber appearance were improved by both hill and bulk selection.     

General combining ability of Neo-Tuberosum for potato production from true seed

Neo-Tuberosum clones from the Cornell breeding population were evaluated as female parents in combination with Tuberosum for production from true seed. Field trials of hybrid seedling families were carried out in 1982 and 1983. Families were also grown in a hot greenhouse to measure combining abilities for tolerance to heat stress. General combining ability was highly significant for yield, vine and tuber characteristics, and heat tolerance. Several clones were identified which produced outstanding seedling families for yield, uniformity, and tuber appearance. Some individual crosses were equal to cultivars in yields, uniformity, and tuber appearance. Hybrids of Neo-Tuberosum and Tuberosum appear to be an excellent choice for potato production from true seed.     

Tuber yield of true potato seed families from different breeding schemes

Economical and environmental conditions in the south of Italy suggest that the direct utilization of TPS, as propagation material for potatoes, could be worth exploring. Thus, it is important to identify the most appropriate breeding scheme to enhance productivity and uniformity of the progeny. For this purpose 44 TPS families deriving from different breeding schemes and emphasizing different levels of heterozygosity were tested for yield at two locations in the U.S.A. and one in Italy. The results indicate the superiority of the 4x progeny from 4x X 2x crosses as a family group, and in the frequency of high yielding individual families in all locations. The 4x X 2x family group outyielded the OP progeny group by 45%, 79% and 114% at Hancock, Rhinelander (U.S.A.) and in Italy, respectively.     

On-farm evaluation of true potato seed in the Philippines

Potato production using true potato seed (TPS) was evaluated with a cooperative group of farmers. The cooperative grew TPS or seed tubers (1 to 3 g) produced from TPS in beds in screenhouses to avoidPseudomonas solanacearum (BW). From 250 to 400 tubers/m² were obtained. Tubers > 3 g were replanted by farmers at high elevation for further multiplication. Yields always exceeded the control (clonally produced cultivar). Seed tubers from TPS of 3 to 5 g produced up to 32 t/ha resulting in a multiplication rate of 145:1. Farmers are in various stages of adopting this technology. An early maturing progeny with resistance to BW is needed to permit a more rapid spread of this technology.     

Tuber yields of families from open pollinated and hybrid true potato seed

This work was undertaken to compare the tuber yields, vegetative vigor and uniformity of seedling transplants obtained from different breeding methods. Twenty hybrid families from different groups of crosses involving 4x clones and 2x Phureja-haploid Tuberosum hybrids; 4x × 4x, 4x × 2x (FDR), 4x × (4x × 2x), and (4x × 2x) × (4x × 2x) and eleven open pollinated families from 4x clones, and 4x hybrids from 4x × 2x crosses were compared in a replicated yield trial. Families from 4x × 2x (FDR) crosses were the highest yielding among the hybrid groups having approximately twice the yield of the open pollinated 4x clones. They also were the best group in relation to plant vigor and uniformity. Based on these results, it appears that a good breeding scheme for high-yielding and uniform progeny from true potato seeds is the 4x × 2x hybridization method where the male parent is capable of producing 2n pollen via a first division restitution mechanism.     

Performances of true potato seed families derived from intermating tetraploid parental lines

Four different sets of true potato seed (TPS) families, representing a total of 262 hybrids derived from intermating tetraploid clones were evaluated in three different locations in Peru. Significant differences were observed among families in tuber yield, uniformity and transplant survival rate in the field. Several families produced an average tuber yield of more than 1.0 kg per plant, with a tuber uniformity of some families approaching that of standard varieties. Hybrid TPS families gave higher tuber yields and more uniform tubers than families from open-pollination. On the basis of an observed family-environment interaction for tuber yield, it is suggested that locally adapted cultivars or advanced selections should be used as parents to generate TPS progenies for specific areas.     

A comparison of variability in storage behaviour of seed tubers from true potato seed and clonal tubers

Summary The tuber-to-tuber variability in storage behaviour of seed tubers from true potato seed was compared with that in clonal seed tubers after storage in the dark, in diffused light, or in diffused light with a single desprouting. The variability was estimated by calculating standard deviations of length, number and weight of sprouts, and tuber weight loss. After dark storage, the variability of these variables was greater in seed tubers from true potato seed than in clonal seed tubers. After storage in diffused light with a single desprouting, the variability of number, length and weight of sprouts of seed tubers from true seed was not statistically different from that observed in clonal seed tubers. All storage treatments resulted in a greater variability of tuber weight loss in seed tubers from true potato seed than in clonal tubers.     

Chemiluminescent detection of potato spindle tuber viroid in true potato seed using a digoxigenin labelled DNA probe

Summary The potential use of a simple, sensitive and non-radioactive method for detecting potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) in germinated true potato seeds, based on nucleic acid hybridization with a PSTVd-specific DNA probe labelled with digoxigenin, was investigated. Two simple procedures for the clarification of plant extracts suitable for a non-radioactive detection system were also investigated. The nucleic acid hybridization technique could detect one PSTVd-infected seed in more than 150 healthy seeds. The benefits of this non-radioactive detection system are discussed.     

Detection of potato spindle tuber viroid in true potato seed by bioassay on Rutgers tomato

Various methods of preparing inoculum from single and composite samples of true potato (TP) seeds and TP seedlings were evaluated by bioassay on Rutgers tomato. An inhibitor of infection was found in concentrated plant sap prepared from composite TP seedlings that could be sequestered with RNasin or purified bentonite. Sap extracts from TP seedlings prepared in buffer containing bentonite were more infectious than nucleic acid extracts from an equivalent fresh weight of tissue. PSTV was detected in single seeds when sap preparations were inoculated on tomato and amplified to levels detectable by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.     

Detection,distribution and long-term persistence of potato spindle tuber viroid in true potato seed from heilongjiang,China

Return-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (R-PAGE) and tomato bioassay followed by R-PAGE were compared for the detection of potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) from individual true potato seed (TPS). Both methods detected PSTVd from single TPS. TPS extract formulated as sap or nucleic acids in two different buffers did not affect the percentage of viroid detection on tomato plants. There was some evidence of viroid inhibitor in TPS extracts but not in nucleic acid extracts of TPS. Because R-PAGE is more rapid than the tomato bioassay followed by R-PAGE, the former was used to determine the extent of PSTVd in TPS of China’s Keshan Potato Research Institute breeding material. Over 1700 individual TPS were tested. Twenty-four of the 46 seedlots tested (inbred and outcrossed) contained PSTVd. The viroid was detected in 70% of lots from inbred lines compared to 38% of lots from outcrosses. TPS (20 lots) stored in paper bags at room temperature as far back as 1965 were also tested, and PSTVd was detected in TPS stored for 21 years.