Summary.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.

No abstract

Precision farming is the process of adjusting husbandry practices within a field according to measured spatial variability. In this review, we explore the prospects for precision farming using the principles that underly conventional soil management and agronomy.The cost-effectiveness of precision farming is determined by the cost of defining zones within fields, the stability of zones through time, the difference in treatment between zones in terms of cost, and the responsiveness of the crop in terms of yield and quality to changes in treatment. Cost-effective precision farming is most likely where prior knowledge indicates large heterogeneity and where treatment zones can be predicted, for example from soil type or field history.Soil related factors are likely to provide the main basis for precision farming because they tend to be stable through time and influence crop performance. In particular, soil mapping may usefully indicate the moisture available for crop growth, organic matter maps may be utilized for precision application of fertilizers and soil acting herbicides, and variation in soil pH can be mapped and used as a basis for variable lime application. However, comprehensive nutrient mapping is less likely to be economic with existing techniques of chemical analysis. The value of yield mapping lies in identifying zones which are sufficiently stable to be of use in determining future practices. Maps of grain quality and nutrient content would significantly augment the value of yield maps in guiding marketing decisions and future agronomy. Interactions between soil differences and seasonal weather are large, so yield maps show considerable differences from season to season. Interpretation of such maps needs to follow a careful, informed, analytical process.Extensive and thorough field experimentation by crop scientists over many years has shown that yield variation arises as a result of a large and complex range of factors. It is highly improbable that simple explanations will be appropriate for much in-field yield variation. However, the capacity to sense yield variability within fields as opposed to between fields, where there are many confounding differences, provides an opportunity for the industry to improve its understanding of soil-based effects on crop performance. This should support its decision taking, whether through precision farming or through field-by-field agronomy.The main obstacle to the adoption of precision farming is the lack of appropriate sensors. Optimal sensor configurations that will measure the specific needs identified by end-users need to be developed.The conclusions reached in this paper probably apply to farming throughout northern Europe.

Bruising of sugar beet roots and the consequential sugar loss do not receive the attention they deserve within the sugar beet industry. Recent harvester tests have indicated that current levels of bruising damage could be decreased with existing technology. There is, however, little understanding of biological factors affecting susceptibility to bruising of sugar beet roots. This paper examines the available information on causes of bruising, the significance of some tissue characteristics, the processes of sugar loss following bruising and agronomic, physiological and biochemical considerations relevant to bruising and the sugar loss that follows. Some research needs are identified in conclusion.

The profile of seasonal foods has been raised in recent years, with information about 'in-season' produce being made available to consumers through a variety of channels, including television programmes, magazine articles and websites. 'Eating seasonally' has also increasingly been encouraged by government initiatives and supported by other agencies and organisations. This article draws on findings of recent research by ADAS, EuGeos and SERIO to explore the notion of 'seasonal food' and probe the link between 'eating seasonally' and a reduction of environmental impacts in the food chain.