Exploitation of somaclonal variability for the search of saline-tolerant potato (Solanum Tuberosum L.)

Abstract

The present investigation was conducted with an aim to study the effect of salt stress (NaCl) on in vitro potato callus growth and the potential for exploiting this technique in improving salinity tolerance in potato. The results in the four varieties in the culture medium showed a decrease in all studied parameters like callus growth, relative average growth, water content and salinity sensitivity coefficient upon increasing the salinity of the medium in calluses. It has also been observed that the type of callus has a large effect on the above-mentioned parameters in which better callus growth adapted to 150 mmol NaCl is obtained than unsuitable calli in the same culture medium.