The role of ethylene and reducing agents on anther culture response of tetraploid potato (Solanum tuberosum L.).

The role of ethylene in embryogenesis of cultured potato anthers was studied indirectly by testing various substances known to affect ethylene formation. The reducing agents ascorbic acid and L-cysteine prevented browning of anther cultures and significantly stimulated embryogenesis. Embryogenesis was also promoted by the use of the ethylene inhibitors AgNO3 and n-propyl-gallate and by the polyamines spermidine and putrescine. The use of the ethylene releasing compound ethrel significantly inhibited embryogenesis.