Articles
Induced polyploidy alters Plectranthus esculentus plant morphology and response to environment
Article number
1297_18
Pages
129 – 136
Language
English
Abstract
Due to the negative impact of biotic and abiotic stressors on sustainable crop production, it is critical that endangered germplasm is not only conserved but that technology is used to harness and improve these genetic resources.
With an ever increasing global population, particularly in the context of the unpredictability of climate change, declining food and nutrition security urgently needs to be addressed. Plectranthus esculentus (wild potato), is a tuberous crop indigenous to South Africa and is considered a ‘lost crop’. It is listed as data deficient on the Red List of South African plants as there is insufficient information to determine conservation status.
Although P. esculentus was cultivated widely in the past, the plant appears to be exceptionally rare in its natural habitat and therefore its natural distribution and the extent of its range are not well understood.
This root crop is an excellent food source and can survive suboptimal soil conditions, thriving under moderate rainfall.
It is affected by root knot nematodes which have a negative impact on tuber yield.
Artificial induction of polyploidy in vitro resulted in the development of tetraploid P. esculentus plants with altered morphological characteristics.
The impact of polyploidy on the morphological and physiological status, compared with the diploid progenitors, as well as potential for further genetic characterization and subsequent impacts will be discussed.
With an ever increasing global population, particularly in the context of the unpredictability of climate change, declining food and nutrition security urgently needs to be addressed. Plectranthus esculentus (wild potato), is a tuberous crop indigenous to South Africa and is considered a ‘lost crop’. It is listed as data deficient on the Red List of South African plants as there is insufficient information to determine conservation status.
Although P. esculentus was cultivated widely in the past, the plant appears to be exceptionally rare in its natural habitat and therefore its natural distribution and the extent of its range are not well understood.
This root crop is an excellent food source and can survive suboptimal soil conditions, thriving under moderate rainfall.
It is affected by root knot nematodes which have a negative impact on tuber yield.
Artificial induction of polyploidy in vitro resulted in the development of tetraploid P. esculentus plants with altered morphological characteristics.
The impact of polyploidy on the morphological and physiological status, compared with the diploid progenitors, as well as potential for further genetic characterization and subsequent impacts will be discussed.
Authors
K. Hannweg, M. Penter, W. Steyn
Keywords
wild potato, chromosome doubling, abiotic and biotic stressors, food and nutrition insecurity
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