Effects of hydrogen cyanamide on seed potato

Summary The effect of hydrogen cyanamide on sprouting of seed potato was examined using cvs Brador and Kennebec. Tuber respiration and content of polyamines were also studied. Tuber dormancy was released after 1 min treatment with 0.5–1 M concentration of the preparation. Apical dominance was also reduced; the treated tubers produced more sprouts and shoots after planting; higher concentrations and longer exposures though more effective, caused tuber injury. Tuber respiration sharply increased after treatment and the level of polyamines decreased during the first 7 days after treatment and increased again when tubers began to sprout. Since there was a marked difference in the rate of response between the cultivars, more research is required before the preparation can be advised for practical application.