Synchronization of tuber formation in potato grown in vitro by cell division synchronization in axillary meristems of stem explants

Optimization of in vitro tuberization (formation and growth of stolons and microtubers) by synchronization of cell divisions in axillary meristems of initial stem explants induced by low nonfreezing temperatures was studied in potato (Solanum tuberosum L., cv. Lugovskoi) plants. The proportion of simultaneously dividing cells in axillary meristems of stem explants subjected to 2-h cold treatment at 4°C was in 2.6 times greater than in control material (without chilling). The analysis of growth of stolons and microtubers produced from the explants exposed to cold showed that synchronization of cell divisions in the meristems of initial explants resulted in synchronization of stolon and microtuber formation and production of microtubers of identical physiological age.