Abstract:
The effects of seed size on sprout growth of potato seed pieces were investigated in controlled temperature conditions. The objectives were to quantify the effects of seed size, plant growth regulators (gibberellin and paclobutrasol) and calcium availability on sprout length, sprout and root dry mass, as well as the fraction of seed reserves utilised for sprout development. The interactive effect between seed size and temperature was also investigated Sprout length did not differ among seed pieces ranging from 1 to 8g in mass. For larger seed pieces sprout length, dry mass and dry mass per unit length, and the root dry mass increased with increasing seed size, reaching a maximum at a seed mass of 24g after 40 days. The smaller the initial seed piece the larger was the fraction of assimilates utilised for sprout growth. Sprout length and dry mass as well as assimilate mobilisation for growth, were promoted by dipping seed pieces in gibberellin solutions, with the greatest effect obtained with 30 ppm GA, the highest concentration used in the experiment. Paclobutrasol showed inhibiting effects on all growth parameters except for sprout thickness. The root dry mass did not differ among treatments. Sprout growth was enhanced by calcium availability, with the greatest effect obtained with exogenous supply of calcium at 10 mmol/I as CaS04. A similar effect was noticed when complete nutrient solution was supplied. CaC03 was less effective than CaS04. Calcium availability to sprout tips affected sprout growth only when the roots were deprived of nutrients. Sprout length of the two seed pieces (3 and 5g in mass) was similarly affected by temperature over time, with the sprouts at the low temperature initially shorter, but reaching the same lengths as those at the high temperature after 30 and 40 days. Sprout dry mass and thickness of 3 and 5g seed pieces were similarly affected by temperature, with higher dry mass and greater thickening at 16°C than at 26°C. Exposure to low temperature (16°C) was associated with the transfer of a large fraction of seed reserves to the sprouts.
