Plant Hormone Analogs As Novel Sprout-Control Agents

摘要

At harvest and for an indeterminate period thereafter, potato tubers are dormant and will not sprout. The length of tuber dormancy is affected by genetic (i.e., cul-tivar) and environmental factors and can vary from essentially zero to many months. The regulation of tuber dormancy and sprout growth is important to all aspects of the potato industry. Loss of tuber dormancy and the onset of sprout growth results in numerous biochemical changes that adversely impact potato nutritional and market qualities. As such, maintenance of dormancy or inhibition of sprout growth is a major concern of producers of fresh market and processing potatoes. Conversely, the seed potato industry would benefit from the ability to rapidly terminate dormancy in fall harvested potatoes for immediate use in southern markets. In addition, low spout vigor and poor stand emergence can be an issue for all potato producers.