A REVIEW OF THE PHYSIOLOGY OF POTATO-TUBER DORMANCY

A review of the scientific literature relating to the physiology of po tato (Solanum tuberosum) tuber dormancy is presented. Effort has been concentrated on an up-to-date overview of the current state of underst anding, rather than comprehensively covering the very extensive litera ture going back over many decades. The format chosen follows the fate of the crop. After defining tuberisation and dormancy, the physiologic al activity of the dormant tuber is reviewed and the storage environme nt is considered from both a physical and chemical standpoint. Advance s in chemical control and the potential for molecular biology are high lighted.