Potato: vegetative growth
Potato plant emergence is followed by intensive vegetative growth. This vegetative growth is interdependent and parallel to roots development, and they are both a precondition for bountiful tuber yield, because the roots supply water and minerals to the shoots, that in turn produce the carbohydrates which are, fed into the bulking-up tubers.
The carbohydrates production depends also on extensive light interception by the lush foliage. It has been found that achieving early LAI (leaf area index) ≥3.0 is necessary for a good harvest. Early establishment of this LAI value is more effective than delayed plant senescence. Light interception rate dictates up to 92% of the yield. The growth substance cytokinin is very instrumental in this regard, as it enhances the production of multiple shoots.
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