Physiological ageing of potato tubers: A Review

Abstract

Numerous theories have been proposed to describe the complex process of ageing in biological systems. Two general groups of ageing theories currently exist: 1) stochastic where the accumulation of random molecular damage leads to loss of information vital to the cell; and, 2) systemic where an organised, genetically based sequence of metabolic activities leads to programmed ageing. Whether these are acceptable models of ageing in potato tubers is unknown although the tuber could provide a useful experimental system for studying ageing. An initial requirement for advancing the concept of ageing in potato tubers must centre on the development of a suitable ageing index. A review of the literature suggests that a modified approach to 'sprouting capacity' and 'incubation period' may allow tuber ageing to be described in mathematical terms that would, in turn, facilitate the development of a physiological ageing index as well as temperature sensitive predictive models. Although a number of biochemical studies of ageing have been pursued, the development of adequate biomarkers has yet to achieve a coordinated level of development as found in a range of organisms. For example, ageing in other biological systems may be viewed as an outcome of an accumulation of random molecular damage and may be primarily caused by a changing balance between reactive oxygen species and diminishing levels of protective agents such as superoxide dismutase, alpha-tocopherol or vitamin C. The exploration of these and similar problems in the context of appropriate modelling approaches should allow a better understanding of physiological ageing in potato tubers. ReferencesAllen E J, O'Brien P J. 1986. The practical significance of accumulated day-degrees as a measure of physiological age of seed potato tubers. Field Crops Research 14:141-15 1. . 1979. Effects of length of sprouting period on growth and yield of contrasting early potato cultivars. Journal of Agricultural Science, Cambridge 92:151-163. Appleman C 0. 1924. Apical dominance in potatoes as an index of seed value. University of Maryland, Agricultural Experimental Station Bulletin 265:236-258. Arking R. 1998. Biology of aging: Observations and principles, 2"d Edn. Sunderland: Sinauer Associates. Balin A K. (Ed.). 1994. Practical handbook of human biologic age determination. Boca Raton: CRC Press. Bean J N, Allen E J. 1980. Effect of physiological age and cultivar on growth and light interception in the potato. Potato Research 23:256-257. Bodlander K B A, Marinus J. 1987. Effect of physiological age on growth vigour of seed potatoes of two cultivars. 3. Effect on plant growth under controlled conditions. Potato Research Bush D S. 1995. Calcium regulation in plant cells and its role in signaling. Annual Review of Plant Physiology and Plant Molecular Biology 46:94-122. Caldiz D 0, Fernandez L V, Struik P C. 1999. Physiological age index: a new, simple and reliable indicator of the physiological age of seed tubers. Abstracts of the 14th Triennial Conference 30~423-440. ofthe EAPR, pp. 88...

Oxylipin profile and antioxidant status of potato tubers during extended storage at room temperature

“…Tuber aging rate is, of course, linked to chronological age (number of dah) but is also storage temperature-and cultivar-dependent [7]. The storage conditions in the present work were used to deliberately accelerate the physiological age progression of the tubers and therefore do not match the usual post-harvest storage practices.…”

The Effects of Dormancy Status on the Endogenous Contents and Biological Activities of Jasmonic Acid, N-(jasmonoyl)-Isoleucine, and Tuberonic Acid in Potato Tubers

“…The life cycle of a potato tuber is a developmental continuum beginning at tuber initiation and ending with tuber senescence. The final developmental phases, collectively referred to as physiological aging, commence at harvest, continue through dormancy progression (which ends with maximum sprouting vigor), followed by the gradual loss of tuber apical dominance and, ultimately the complete loss of sprouting capacity (Coleman 2000). Each of these phases is characterized by a distinct pattern of gene expression resulting in stage-specific protein complements (Désiré et al 1995;Bachem et al 2000).…”

Environmental, morphological and physiological factors analyzes for optimization of potato (<i>Solanum tuberosum</i> L.) microtuber <i>in vitro</i> germination

“…The potato tuber seed is considered as a model organ for a study of the aging plant [22][23][24][25]. In addition, physiological age strongly influences its germination profile and agronomic performances.…”