Evaluation of four growth mediums effect on potato (Solanum tubérosum L.) plantlet production in Burkina Faso

Abstract In Burkina Faso, potato growers are faced with difficulties in obtaining seed. These seeds, mostly imported partially meet the quality requirement in potato production. Furthermore, these seeds are not accessible in term of cost and also not available in time. Local seed production is therefore necessary. In vitro culture can remedy this problem by providing quality seeds. Thus, the goal of our study was to set up an in vitro culture protocol for the production of plantlets with optimal vegetative growth. This study was realised in the in vitro culture laboratory at INERA Kamboinsé. Explants from in vitro plantlets (1 cm) of the same generation were used as plant material and transplanted onto four different mediums. The mediums used were: M0= 4,4g/l MS medium (Murashige and Skoog 1962) + 7g/l agar; M1= M0 + 30g/l table sugar; M2= M0 + 0,5mg/l AIB and M3= M0+30g/l sugar + 0,5mg/l AIB. These mediums were prepared with a pH=5,7±0.1, then divided into jars and autoclaved for 20 minutes at a pressure of 120 bars. Subculture in the jars was realised out in a laminar flow hood. The covered jars were transferred to a growth room for 30 days. The results of this study indicated that M1 and M3 showed good regeneration of the in vitro plantlets compared to M0 and M2. Sugar probably had a positive effect on root length, stem diameter, number of nodes and number of leaves open. These parameters strongly differentiated M1 from the other mediums. AIB had a positive effect on the root proliferation of in vitro plantlets in the M2 medium. The combined effect of sugar and AIB was even more positive on stem height, number of roots, number of leaves open and weight of in vitro plantlets, which strongly differentiated medium M3 from the other mediums. In conclusion, M3 proved to be the best medium for producing in vitro plantlets with good vegetative growth for seed production.