Effect of NaCl on in vitro propagation of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.).

In vitro propagation protocols offer a better option for production of quality planting materials in a clonal crop such as sweet potato, which is a food crop of versatile uses. Propagation through axillary shoot proliferation and organogenic and embryogenic regeneration were studied in different genotypes of sweet potato. The addition of NaCl enhanced the rate of multiplication as well as yielded hardy somatic embryos. Optimal doses of NaCl in each mode of propagation were different. The hardy somatic embryos produced in NaCl medium could be stored at 8 degrees C with or without a protective alginate covering. High-frequency germination of stored hardy somatic embryos could facilitate the production of artificial seeds. Plantlets produced with the addition of NaCl in regeneration medium were established in vivo at a high frequency (95-100%). Yield and quality of storage roots developed from artificial seed-propagated plants were comparable with those of source plants.