Propagation of Potato Seed Tubers from Stems

Abstract

MENTION has been made by Dr. N. Polunin1 of the practice of propagation of potatoes for seed tubers from what are described as 'tops'. This work has been developed in the U.S.S.R. recently by Prof. Lysenko. The method was employed in Great Britain during the War of 1914–18, though on a smaller scale. The term 'tops' has caused some confusion among British workers, for it refers to the severed rose or top ends of large-size tubers and not, as might be supposed, to the aerial stems of the plant. Tops, shaws or haulms are common names in Great Britain for the stems and thus a wrong impression has arisen.