Dormancy and sprouting of in vitro potato (Solanum tuberosum L) microtubers: Effects of sucrose concentration from tuberization medium, storage period at 4 degrees C and gibberellic acid treatment

The results reported describe the effects of sucrose concentrations (80, 100 and 140 g.l(-1)), storage temperature at 4 degrees C or gibbereliic acid treatment (GA(3)) on in vitro potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) microtuber dormancy and their germination. High concentration of sucrose (140 g.l(-1)) and cold environment shorten microtuber dormancy period. On the other hand, germination is more rapid and homogenous with an increase in the 4 degrees C storage period. GA(3) does not allow suppression of dormancy but simply stimulates germination at the end of the dormancy period. At a concentration superior or equal to 10(-4) M, GA(3) increases the length of the plantlets.