The Effect of Light Quality and Intensity on in vitro Potato Cultures

Purpose: The study investigates the effect of light quality and intensity factors on in vitro potato meristem cultures and multiplication for optimization of pre-basic seed potato productions of some potato varieties. Research Method: In vitro experiments were conducted to study the response of meristems and nodal cuttings of five potato varieties, i.e., Cara, Hermes, Lady Rosetta, Santana, and Spunta, to four LED light qualities (blue, red, red+blue, or white) for five potato varities. Also, the response of nodal cuttings was examined under three light intensities (50, 75 and 100 mu mol m-2 s-1). Findings: Significant differences were obtained between the four tested light qualities. Red LED gave the best meristem survival rates of the Cara, Hermes, Lady Rosetta, and Spunta potato varieties. In the multiplication phase, a significantly (p <= 0.05) higher plantlet length was obtained from nodal cuttings under red light quality. Also, white and red light produced vigorous plantlets, expressed as higher significant dry weight (82.2 and 80.4 mg/plantlet, respectively). Increasing light intensity from 50 to 75 and 100 mu mol m-2 s-1 resulted in increases in leaf number, stem diameter, root length, leaf area, chlorophyll content, fresh weight, and dry weight. Originality/ Value: White LED light quality enhanced in vitro initiation of potato meristems. Furthermore, Light intensity of 75 mu mol m-2 s-1 gave better performance of potato plantlets in vitro.