Physiological Ageing of Potato Seed Tubers: Mechanisms, Assessment Challenges, and Emerging Omics-Based Solutions

Abstract Physiological age (p-age) in potato seed tubers is a complex and dynamic biochemical process that strongly influences plant vigour, canopy development and final yield. Consequently, p-age is a major concern for both seed producers and growers because it directly affects seed quality and subsequent crop performance. Extensive research has characterised the physiological, biochemical, and hormonal mechanisms underlying tuber ageing, and several approaches have been developed to estimate p-age. However, most existing methods are labour intensive, time-consuming, and insufficiently robust for rapid decision making under commercial conditions, creating a clear need for reliable, fast, and practical tools to assess p-age before planting. In parallel, omics-based technologies, including proteomics and metabolomics, have emerged as potentially powerful approaches for studying seed ageing and identifying biomarkers associated with disease, stress response and tuber quality traits in potato and other crops. This review synthesises current understanding of the physiological and molecular basis of tuber ageing, critically evaluates the strengths and limitations of current p-age assessment methods and explores the potential of omics technologies to enable rapid and accurate measurement of p-age. A clearer understanding of these mechanisms and methodological gaps will support the development of robust diagnostic tools to improve seed management and crop performance.