Abstract:
The root system of potato is made up of adventitious roots (AR) that form at the base
of a sprout once it emerges from the mother tuber. By definition, AR originate from
dormant preformed meristems, or from cells neighboring vascular tissues in stems or
leaves. This may occur as part of the developmental program of the plant
(e.g., potato), or when replacing the embryonic primary roots in response to stress
conditions, such as flooding, nutrient deprivation, or wounding. AR formation is stud-
ied mainly in cereals and model plants, and less is known about its developmental
program in root and tuber crops. In this review, we summarize the recent data on AR
development in potato and relate this knowledge to what is known from model
plants. For example, AR formation following stem cutting in potato follows a pattern
of initiation, expression, and emergence phases that are known for other plants and
involves auxin, the master regulator of AR induction and development. Molecular
regulation of AR formation and the effect of environmental stresses are discussed.
Understanding the origin and nature of AR systems in important crops will contribute
to increased production and improve global food security.