Promotion of potato yield under moderate water deficiency at the seedling stage by modifying sink-source relationship

ABSTRACT Water deficiency is the main bottleneck in potato production in many regions worldwide. The generation of higher tuber yields per unit of water is a key goal for both agronomists and potato growers. In this study, we found that under moderate deficit irrigation (DI; 50% relative water content (RWC)) at the seedling stage of potato growth, the leaf area index (LAI) and dry matter accumulation were lower than control; however, they caught up with and surpassed the control at later developmental stages with a normal water supply, and a higher yield was ultimately achieved. The LAI and total dry weight under severe water stress (35% RWC) also surpassed the control at harvest; however, the final yield remained low, due to the low distribution of dry matter into the tubers. Abscisic acid (ABA) increased under DI conditions at the seedling stage, while gibberellin (GA1 and GA3) levels decreased. Moreover, endogenous ABA increased as plant development proceeded from seedling stage to tuber initiation stage, regardless of water stress. Exogenous ABA application promoted dry matter accumulation and distribution into the tubers. Therefore, it may be that ABA, as a major signaling molecule, mediates water stress to regulate tuber sink capacity at early development period. Through a feedback regulation stronger source capacity was stimulated by sink enhancement mediated by moderate water stress at the seedling stage, reached a higher tuber yield finally by reestablishment of sink-source relationship. Graphical abstract