Ploidy variability in greenhouse cultured and in vitro propagated potato (Solanum tuberosum) monohaploids (2n=x=12) as determined by flow cytometry.

The DNA distributions of 23 different monohaploid potato clones were investigated by flow-cytometric measurements. All monohaploid clones differed in DNA distribution but none of them contained only monoploid cells in the leaves. All were highly stable on the monohaploid level for 2-3 years. Investigation of the influence of different factors on the DNA distribution in leaf cells showed that the material derived from in vitro shoot tip propagation contained a lower proportion of polyploidized cells than greenhouse grown plants. With protoplast isolation the enzyme treatment of in vitro cultured plant material induced a striking shift of DNA distribution towards the lower C-value whereas the mechanical purification steps caused a selective loss of monoploid nuclei. Seasonal influence on the DNA patterns could be detected.