Physiological and genetical studies in the potato (solanum tuberosum L.) and related species

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.