In vitro-induced tetraploids of Plectranthus esculentus are nematode-tolerant and have enhanced nutritional value

Plectranthus esculentus (Family: Lamiaceae), or Livingstone potato, is an edible tuberous vegetable which originated in Africa, with central Africa being the centre of origin. P. esculentus is found throughout the continent, including the north-eastern regions of South Africa. Although the tubers ar...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Euphytica 2016-01, Vol.207 (2), p.343-351
Main Authors: Hannweg, K, Steyn, W, Bertling, I
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Amino acids
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Biotechnology
center of origin
Chromosomes
Crop improvement
Crops
diploidy
egg masses
eggs
host-parasite relationships
juveniles
Lamiaceae
leaves
Life Sciences
Meloidogyne
Nematoda
Nematodes
Nutrition
Nutritive value
pest resistance
plant breeding
Plant Genetics and Genomics
Plant Pathology
Plant Physiology
Plant Sciences
Plectranthus
Potatoes
root systems
Roots
Solanum tuberosum
Starch
stems
tetraploidy
tubers
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Summary:Plectranthus esculentus (Family: Lamiaceae), or Livingstone potato, is an edible tuberous vegetable which originated in Africa, with central Africa being the centre of origin. P. esculentus is found throughout the continent, including the north-eastern regions of South Africa. Although the tubers are edible, limited crop improvement has been achieved; therefore, a study comprising in vitro polyploidisation was carried out with subsequent evaluation of plant nutritional value and nematode tolerance of the induced tetraploids compared with the diploid controls. Tetraploid tubers had a higher starch content compared with the diploids, however there was no significant difference in mineral element content for either the leaves or the tubers when induced tetraploids were compared with the diploid control. Further, induced tetraploids appeared to be significantly more tolerant to rootknot nematode, Meloidogyne spp., than the diploids. A significantly higher number of egg masses per root system and number of eggs and J2 (juvenile stage 2) individuals per root system were detected in control plants, compared with tetraploid plants. Induced tetraploidy resulted in plants with a higher nutritional starch concentration and tolerance to rootknot nematode, characteristics which will improve the cultivation and utilisation of the crop. Morphologically, tetraploid plants had fewer, thicker stems per plant compared with diploid plants.
ISSN:0014-2336
1573-5060
DOI:10.1007/s10681-015-1547-4