Tuberization in Potato at High Temperatures: Interaction between Temperature and Irradiance

Abstract

Potato plants (Solanum tuberosum L., cv. Sebago) responded similarly to high temperatures and low irradiance by diverting dry matter to the shoots rather than the tubers, and changes were noted in a range of morphological characteristics. It is proposed that the effect of both high temperature and low irradiance is brought about by the increased production of a growth substance, possibly gibberellin, which inhibits tuber formation, and that tuber yield is determined by the balance between temperature and irradiance.