Physiological Aging under Commercial Conditions Enhances Performance of Three Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Cultivars

The physiological age of potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) seed tubers influences emergence, apical dominance, tuber set, and size distribution, all of which are traits that affect crop value. While prior studies have examined storage and planting practices, research optimizing physiological aging under commercially relevant conditions is limited. This 2-year study evaluated the effects of controlled aging on three cultivars, Caribou Russet, Dakota Russet, and Laona, using 15.6 °C temperatures to accumulate 80, 450, or 900 degree days (DD) before long-term cold storage (4 °C). Emergence, stem number, yield, tuber size distribution, and crop value were evaluated in field trials conducted in Othello, WA. Aging to 450-DD was associated with improved emergence and increased yield and crop value, particularly for processing, with gains of up to 32%. In contrast, aging to 900-DD resulted in reduced yield and marketable size, with outcomes varying by cultivar and end use. These effects were further influenced by pretreatment seed handling and storage history. Together, the findings indicate that moderate physiological aging can serve as a practical tool to improve crop uniformity and profitability, but treatments must be tailored to individual cultivars and end-use goals to minimize negative effects.