Abstract
There are a number of problems pertaining to the genetical investigation of the potato
which have a definite physiological background.
Work on a number of these intermediate problems
was planned from the laboratory side.
On the one hand there are such questions
as quality and the definition of "good" quality
or "bad" quality. Precise definition of these
with accurate methods of assessment would assist
the geneticists. Part I of these studies deals
with the question of quality with special reference
to starch characteristics.
The problem of sterility or inability
to produce viable progeny in its widest sense
embraces in the potato a wide variety of causes,
as for example:
Contabescent anthers.
"Bad" pollen, e.g., non-functional pollen
or pollen capable of functioning in
certain stigmas but not on others
(possible oppositional factors, etc.)
Abscission of flower buds, flowers and
fruits.
Causes may be:
(a) cytological,
(b) physiological,
(c) genetical,
all complicated by relation to external factors.
A physiological approach may be made to at least
two of these, namely, abscission of flower buds,
flowers and mature fruits; and to the problems
of pollen germination and subsequent growth,
both in vivo and vitro. These subjects are
considered in Part II.
The problem of clonal selection coupled,
with peculiar gene production in the potato indicate that enquiry into possible chimerical
structure would be of value to the plant breeder
and, at the same time, have a physiological mode
of approach. Part III of these studies is
concerned with this aspect.
