Author
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Bamberg, John |
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MARTIN, MAX - University Of Wisconsin |
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Submitted to: In Vitro Biology Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 3/26/2015 Publication Date: 6/3/2015 Citation: Bamberg, J.B., Martin, M. 2015. In vitro technology at the US Potato Genebank [abstract]. In Vitro Biology Meeting. Paper No. 14. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: The US Potato Genebank at Sturgeon Bay, WI, is the active national germplasm collection for the world's most important vegetable crop. It contains 6,000 accessions of 100 species of tuber-bearing relatives of Solanum tuberosum. The potato of commerce is a clonal crop susceptible to many systemic pathogens, so the genebank routinely uses in vitro clonal maintenance and distribution for named cultivars. In vitro management is also the tool of choice for various breeding and genetic stocks of interest to breeders and researchers. Long-term backup cryo-preservation of clones is done at the base collection at Ft. Collins, CO. In vitro techniques also play an important role in virus elimination of clones. We have recently expanded in vitro propagation to the temporary safekeeping of meristem propagules in antibiotic medium during collecting expeditions in the wild in Arizona. The genebank mission includes promoting technology that supports expanded use of the germplasm, particularly finding ways to overcome interspecific hybridization barriers. Thus, in vitro techniques like pollen viability testing, ploidy manipulation, protoplast fusion, and embryo rescue have contributed to major advances. Finally, advancing in vitro technology holds promise as a new tool for mass bioassay and selection of seeds, pollen or somaclones for useful traits. |
