PhD defence

Plant architecture and functioning of hybrid potato plants grown from true seeds versus seedling tubers: a quantitative study from leaf to crop

PhD candidate J (Jiahui) Gu
Promotor prof.dr.ir. PC (Paul) Struik
prof.dr. JB (Jochem) Evers
Co-promotor dr.ir. SM (Steven) Driever
Organisation Wageningen University, Centre for Crop Systems Analysis
Date

Fri 4 April 2025 10:30 to 11:30

Venue Omnia, building number 105
Hoge Steeg 2
105
6708 PH Wageningen
+31 (0) 317 - 484500
Room Auditorium

Summary

Potatoes are traditionally grown from seed tubers. Another approach using true potato seeds, produced through sexual reproduction, offers advantages like better reduced risks of disease and easier storage. However, plants grown from true seeds and seedling tubers (tubers from true-seed-grown plants) differ in architecture and yield formation, particularly in branching and source-sink dynamics, which is crucial for resource allocation and productivity. My research focuses on understanding these differences in plant structure, resource use, and productivity across multiple scales from leaf to crop. By addressing these questions, this study contributes to more efficient and sustainable hybrid potato production systems.