An assessment of morphogenic and transformation efficiency in a range of varieties of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Summary

To provide a truly genotype-independent transformation system, it is necessary to be able to transform a wide range of potato genotypes. The ability to regenerate shoots in vitro was determined for 34 potato varieties using tuber disc explants. Following a culture regime used extensively in previous studies with the variety Desiree, half of the varieties could be regenerated from tuber discs and half could not. From a sample of varieties that could be regenerated from tuber discs, all but one variety gave transgenic plants. Twelve varieties were evaluated for the capacity to regenerate shoots from leaf and internode explants excised from in vitro grown plants. All of the varieties tested regenerated adventitious shoots. Leaf and internode explants from 5 varieties were subsequently used for transformation, and transgenic plants were produced from two potato varieties that did not give transgenic plants from tuber disc explants. Some varieties could not be transformed by either method, and will require modification of the in vitro regeneration and transformation system to be successful.