Use of Tissue Culture Potato Plantlets for Investigations of Diseases of Subterranean Plant Parts. H. W. Platt, Research Scientist, Agriculture Canada Research Station, Box 1210, Charlottetown, P.E.I., Canada C1A 7M8. G. J. Bollen, Professor, Vakgroep Fytopathologie, Landbouwuniversiteit, Postbus 8025, 6700EE, Wageningen, Netherlands. Plant Dis. 77:1112-1113. Accepted for publication 7 July 1993. Copyright 1993 Department of Agriculture, Government of Canada. DOI: 10.1094/PD-77-1112.

Potato tissue culture plantlets grown in culture tubes were successfully used to establish and monitor disease development in roots and other subterranean plant parts. Host tissue responses to infection and other disease processes were easily observed and recorded permanently (photographically with or without the aid of a microscope) in a nondestructive manner. Use of this technique for pathogenicity and other investigations is discussed.