Role of endogenous abscisic acid in potato microtuber dormancy

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L cv Russet Burbank) microtubers generated in vitro from single-node explants contained substantial amounts (approximately 250 pmol/g fresh weight) of free abscisic acid (ABA) and were completely dormant for a minimum of 12 weeks. Microtubers that developed in the presence of 10 micrometers fluridone (FLD) contained considerably reduced amounts (approximately 5-25 pmol/g fresh weight) of free ABA and exhibited a precocious loss of dormancy. Inclusion of exogenous racemic ABA in the FLD-containing medium suppressed the premature sprouting of these microtubers in a dose-dependent manner. At a concentration of 50 micromolar, exogenous ABA restored internal ABA levels to control values and completely inhibited FLD-induced precocious sprouting. Exogenous jasmonic acid was ineffective in suppressing FLD-induced sprouting. Application of FLD to preformed, fully dormant microtubers also resulted in a reduction in internal ABA content and precocious sprouting. These results indicate that endogenous ABA is essential for the induction and maintenance of potato microtuber dormancy