Early selection of drought stress tolerance in potato genotypes using polyethylene glycol (PEG) in the in-vitro condition

Abstract

Drought stress threatens potato production by reducing tuber yield. To maintain the supply of potatoes, potato cultivars that are able to adapt and tolerate to water deficit conditions are needed. The aim of this study was to obtain potato genotypes with high tolerance in the early in-vitro selection by Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) treatment. Fifty-one potato genotypes were used in this in-vitro evaluation, cultured in the MS medium which treated by four level of PEG 6000 to induce the drought stress, namely 0, 30, and 60 g.L-1. The study revealed that in-vitro plants respond to PEG-induced drought stress by reducing their growth and vigour. The decreasing of plantlet vigour and leaves size also observed. At the end of observation, five genotypes performed good vigour at the 60 g.L-1 of PEG 6000, namely CIP 394613.139 × 5.13:1.1, ATL × 3.11:1.7, 2.13 × ATL:1.12.10.3, ATL × 3.11:3.6, and ATL × 3.11:8.14. Those genotypes were indicated tolerant to drought stress and need to be followed up with further evaluation in the green house environment to see the ability of tuberization under controlled water deficit condition.