Tuberization in Potato at High Temperatures: Promotion by Disbudding

Abstract

The role of the terminal and axillary buds, as presumptive organs of gibberellin synthesis, in the control of tuberization in potato (Solanum tuberosum L., cv. Sebago) at high temperatures was studied. Decapitation alone strongly promoted the outgrowth of axillary buds, but did not promote tubenzation. When growth of the axillary buds was suppressed by the use of chemical pruning agents (MH, TIBA or 1-decanol), tuberization was promoted. Manual removal of the buds promoted tuberization to a similar extent. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that the buds are major sites of gibberellin synthesis in the potato, and that high temperatures stimulate the synthesis of gibberellins and their export to the stolons, where they inhibit tuber formation.