Hormonal Regulation of Tuber Formation in Potato

Tubers of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) plants serve as organs for vegetative propagation and stock of matter and energy for the next generation. Tuber formation is a complex process involving several successive stages: stolon formation and growth, induction of tuberization, tuber initiation and further growth. Tuber formation is affected by several external and internal factors, fi rst of all photoperiod, temperature, levels of carbohydrates and nitrogen. Adaptive response of tuberization to these cues is a part of the seasonal strategy of potato reproductive development.