Physiology of tuber development and stolon architecture

In this thesis, we used phytohormonal applications, cloning of potato genes related to phytohormone biosynthesis and investigated the  content of several phytohormones in order to clarify how different phytohormones work together to achieve potato tuber development. Our research revealed that phytohormone auxin is important during tuber development, and possibly works together with gibberellins, another group of phytohormones, to achieve tuber initiation and tuber growth. In addition, we clarified the mechanism that mediates stolon branching, which involves a cross-talk between auxin and a new group of phytohormones, called strigolactones. Our research helps understand the physiology of tuber initiation and development, reveals that auxin has a role also in the development of tubers, clarifies that auxin can be produced also in underground stolons and that the mechanism that regulates branching in present also in underground shoots.