A review of the physiology of potato tuber dormancy

A review of the scientific literature relating to the physiology of potato (Solanum tuberosum) tuber dormancy is presented. Effort has been concentrated on an up-to-date overview of the current state of understanding, rather than comprehensively covering the very extensive literature going back over many decades. The format chosen follows the fate of the crop. After defining tuberisation and dormancy, the physiological activity of the dormant tuber is reviewed and the storage environment is considered from both a physical and chemical standpoint. Advances in chemical control and the potential for molecular biology are highlighted.