The essential role of microRNAs in potato tuber development: a mini review

Abstract

Juvenile to adult phase transition is a crucial part of plant life cycle. In potato, initiation of tuber development marks the beginning of such transition. Several environmental and endogenous factors have been implicated in tuber developmental process (tuberization) in potato. Photoperiod, temperature, plant age, activity of hormones, mobile RNAs and proteins are important cues that control potato tuberization. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) are shown to interact with these factors and play an integral role in determining the tuberization fate. This review discusses the current knowledge on function of miRNAs towards the tuberization process in potato.