ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Data source :  Google Scholar QueryDate : 2016-12-24 Cites : 7

Effect of hydrogen peroxide and thiourea on fluorescence and tuberization of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of hydrogen peroxide and thiourea on potato crop (quantum yield (Fv/ Fm), chlorophyll content, tuber diameter, tuber number and total tuber yield). The concentrations of these two chemicals are hydrogen peroxide: 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 mM, and thiourea : 0, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 mM. The experiment was conducted in the farm of Chott-Mariem Institute during three months using variety 'Spunta' and arranged in a completely randomized block with three replications. Results show that there is no significant difference in tuber diameter between treatments and among the same treatment. However, tuber yield is significantly increased by 20 % by thiourea (250 mM). Maximum total yield was obtained at this concentration (810 g/plant). In addition, application of thiourea (500 and 750 mM) results in a significantly higher number of tubers number (5.7 and 5.2 respectively). In contrast, treatment with hydrogen peroxide brings about similar tuber yields. Although, application of hydrogen peroxide at low concentration (20 mM), decreases chlorophyll content and stresses plants, application of thiourea increases chlorophyll content, and improve quantum yield especially when it is applied at 250 mM.