Development, growth and chemical composition of the potato crop (Solanum tuberosum L.). I. leaf and stem

Summary In this first part of a review the development of the potato leaf and stem is described, based on research data and literature. The development over time, the daily changes of fresh and dry matter, the contents of organic and inorganic components (dry matter, starch, sugars, organic acids, ascorbic acid, nitrogenous compounds, nitrate, glycoalkaloids, chlorophyll, P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Na, trace elements), and physiological parameters (rate of assimilation and photosynthesis, activity of enzymes) of the leaf and stem are described and discussed for every phenological growth stage of the potato crop.