Variation of RuBP carboxylase activity among anther‐derived plants of Solanum phureja

The effect of genotype and ploidy on RuBP carboxylase (EC 4.1.1.39) activity, chlorophyll content, leaf area, chloroplast ultrastructure and not photosynthesis among monoploid. diploid and tetraploid anther‐derived plants of Solanum phureja Juz, and Buk. was studied. Within the monoploid group, RuBP carboxylase activity and concentration displayed a significant genotypic effect. For the diploids, variation among genotypes was significant for total protein content and maximum specific activity of RuBP carboxylase, and among the tetraploids for net photosynthesis and specific leaf weight. Ploidy effect was evident regarding net photosynthesis, leaf area and chlorophyll content. The different ploidy groups among the anther‐derived plants surpassed the anther donor plant for all characteristics except maximum activity of RuBP carboxylase and net photosynthesis. For the latter only the tetra‐ploid group was superior to the anther source plant. However, a monoploid genotype with an increase of 9% in maximum activity of RuBP carboxylase over the anther‐donor plant was identified. Segregation of trails rind differential gene expression together with possible mutations during androgenesis are discussed as sources of variation.