Caracterización citológica y capacidad fotosintética de los mutantes 7, 17, 39, 48 y 67 de Solanum tuberosum (grupo Phureja) tras la irradiación con Cobalto-60

Abstract

The potato (Solanum tuberosum) is one of the most important crops in Colombia due to its economic significance and its essential role in food security. In particular, the Criollo potato (Phureja group) is valued for its nutritional properties, notably its high carotene and vitamin content. Given its importance, genetic improvement strategies have been implemented since the 1940s to develop more resistant and productive varieties. Among these techniques, mutagenesis induced by physical agents, such as Cobalt-60 irradiation, has shown potential for enhancing agronomic traits in various plant species. However, despite these advances, the reproductive effects of mutagen use on Solanum tuberosum (Phureja group) remain poorly understood, and research focused on the reproductive and physiological characterization of this group is still limited. For this reason, within the framework of the project “Application of nuclear techniques for the improvement of the Criollo potato crop (Solanum phureja)”, developed by the District University Francisco José de Caldas in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), this internship is being carried out. Its objective is to analyze the reproductive variations and photosynthetic capacity of irradiated mutants by determining ploidy levels, evaluating pollen fertility and viability, conducting in vitro germination, and analyzing the photosynthetic rates of the different mutants. This study aims to contribute to the scientific knowledge of the reproductive and physiological responses of the Criollo potato to radiation, establishing a solid foundation for future breeding programs that promote increased productivity and sustainability of this crop in Colombia.