Modulation of Solanum tuberosum L. morphogenesis and antioxidative status in a stem explant culture by limitation of gas exchange: Putative effects of ethylene

Summary The main objective of the present study was to test the hypothesis that increased concentrations of ethylene under conditions of limited gas exchange during in vitro cultivation of potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) stem explants may lead to increased capaciry of antioxidative defense. By varying the tightness of closure and application of inhibitors of ethylene biosynthesis it was possible to accumulate various concentrations of ethylene in the internal atmosphere of culture flasks, which depended on excision-stress induced ethylene biosynthesis. In tightly closed cultures inhibition of linear growth, promotion of radial expansion and development of an apical hook occurred. Treatment w…