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Ulluku (Ullucus tuberosus) tubers

Tubers are a type of enlarged structure that plants use as storage organs for nutrients, derived from stems or roots. Tubers help plants perennate (survive winter or dry months), provide energy and nutrients, and are a means of asexual reproduction.[1]

Stem tubers manifest as thickened rhizomes (underground stems) or stolons (horizontal connections between organisms); examples include the potato and yam. The term root tuber describes modified lateral roots, as in sweet potato, cassava, and dahlia.

Terminology

[edit]

The term originates from the Latin tuber, meaning 'lump, bump, or swelling'.[2]

Some writers limit the definition of tuber to structures derived from stems,[3] while others also apply the term to structures derived from roots.[4]

Stem tubers

[edit]
Flowers and tuber of Anredera cordifolia

A stem tuber forms from thickened rhizomes or stolons. The top sides of the tuber produce shoots that grow into typical stems and leaves and the undersides produce roots. They tend to form at the sides of the parent plant and are most often located near the soil surface. The underground tuber is normally a short-lived storage and regenerative organ developing from a shoot that branches off a mature plant. The offspring or new tubers are attached to a parent tuber or form at the end of a hypogeogenous (initiated below ground) rhizome. In the autumn the plant dies, except for the new offspring tubers, which have one dominant bud that in spring regrows a new shoot producing stems and leaves; in summer the tubers decay and new tubers begin to grow. Some plants also form smaller tubers or tubercules that act like seeds, producing small plants that resemble (in morphology and size) seedlings. Some stem tubers are long-lived, such as those of tuberous begonias, but many plants have tubers that survive only until the plants have fully leafed out, at which point the tuber is reduced to a shriveled-up husk.[citation needed]

Stem tubers generally start off as enlargements of the hypocotyl section of a seedling, but sometimes also include the first node or two of the epicotyl and the upper section of the root. The tuber has a vertical orientation, with one or a few vegetative buds on the top and fibrous roots produced on the bottom from a basal section. Typically the tuber has an oblong rounded shape.[citation needed]

Tuberous begonias, yams,[5][6] and cyclamens are commonly grown stem tubers. Mignonette vine (Anredera cordifolia) produces aerial stem tubers on 3.5-to-7.5-metre-tall (12 to 25 ft) vines; the tubers fall to the ground and grow. Plectranthus esculentus, of the mint family Lamiaceae, produces tuberous underground organs from the base of the stem, weighing up to 1.8 kg (3 lb 15 oz) per tuber, forming from axillary buds producing short stolons that grow into tubers.[7] Even though legumes are not commonly associated with forming stem tubers, Lathyrus tuberosus is an example native to Asia and Europe, where it was once grown as a crop.[8]

Potatoes

[edit]
Main article: Potato
A young potato tuber

Potatoes are stem tubers – enlarged stolons thicken to develop into storage organs.[9][10][11] The tuber has all the parts of a normal stem, including nodes and internodes. The nodes are the eyes and each has a leaf scar. The nodes or eyes are arranged around the tuber in a spiral fashion beginning on the end opposite the attachment point to the stolon. The terminal bud is produced at the farthest point away from the stolon attachment and tubers, and thus show the same apical dominance as a normal stem. Internally, a tuber is filled with starch stored in enlarged parenchyma-like cells. The inside of a tuber has the typical cell structures of any stem, including a pith, vascular zones, and a cortex.[citation needed]

The tuber is produced in one growing season and used to perennate the plant and as a means of propagation. When fall comes, the above-ground structure of the plant dies, but the tubers survive underground over winter until spring, when they regenerate new shoots that use the stored food in the tuber to grow. As the main shoot develops from the tuber, the base of the shoot close to the tuber produces adventitious roots and lateral buds on the shoot. The shoot also produces stolons that are long etiolated stems. The stolon elongates during long days with the presence of high auxins levels that prevent root growth off of the stolon. Before new tuber formation begins, the stolon must be a certain age. The enzyme lipoxygenase makes a hormone, jasmonic acid, which is involved in the control of potato tuber development.[citation needed]

The stolons are easily recognized when potato plants are grown from seeds. As the plants grow, stolons are produced around the soil surface from the nodes. The tubers form close to the soil surface and sometimes even on top of the ground. When potatoes are cultivated, the tubers are cut into pieces and planted much deeper into the soil. Planting the pieces deeper creates more area for the plants to generate the tubers and their size increases. The pieces sprout shoots that grow to the surface. These shoots are rhizome-like and generate short stolons from the nodes while in the ground. When the shoots reach the soil surface, they produce roots and shoots that grow into the green plant.[citation needed]

Root tubers

[edit]
Freshly dug sweet potato plants with tubers
Hemerocallis tuber roots

A root tuber, tuberous root or storage root is a modified lateral root, enlarged to function as a storage organ. The enlarged area of the tuber can be produced at the end or middle of a root or involve the entire root. It is thus different in origin, but similar in function and appearance, to a stem tuber. Plants with tuberous roots include the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), cassava, dahlia, and Sagittaria (arrowhead) species.[citation needed]

Root tubers are perennating organs, thickened roots that store nutrients over periods when the plant cannot actively grow, thus permitting survival from one year to the next. The massive enlargement of secondary roots typically represented by sweet potato have the internal and external cell and tissue structures of a normal root; they produce adventitious roots and stems, which again produce adventitious roots.[12]

In root tubers, there are no nodes and internodes or reduced leaves. The proximal end of the tuber, which was attached to the old plant, has crown tissue that produces buds which grow into new stems and foliage.[13] The distal end of the tuber normally produces unmodified roots. In stem tubers the order is reversed, with the distal end producing stems. Tuberous roots are biennial in duration: the plant produces tubers the first year, and at the end of the growing season, the shoots often die, leaving the newly generated tubers; the next growing season, the tubers produce new shoots. As the shoots of the new plant grow, the stored reserves of the tuber are consumed in the production of new roots, stems, and reproductive organs; any remaining root tissue dies concurrently to the plant's regeneration of the next generation of tubers.[citation needed]

Hemerocallis fulva (orange daylily) and a number of daylily hybrids have large root tubers; H. fulva spreads by underground stolons[14] that end with a new fan that grows roots that produce thick tubers and then send out more stolons.[8][15]

Plants with root tubers can be propagated from late summer to late winter by digging up the tubers and separating them, making sure that each piece has some crown tissue for replanting.[citation needed]

Roots and tubers are some of the most widely harvested crops in the world.

Root tubers are a rich source of nutrients for humans and wild animals, e.g. those of Sagittaria plants which are eaten by ducks.[16]

See also

[edit]
  • Bulb, modified stems with a short fleshy vertical stem, covered by thick fleshy modified leaves that enclose a bud for the next season's growth[17]
  • Caudex, a form of stem modification similar in appearance to a tuber
  • Corm, modified stems covered by dry scale-like leaves called a tunic, differing from true bulbs by having distinct nodes and internodes
  • Taproot, the largest, most central, and most dominant root of some plants

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Tuber

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
A tuber is a thickened, modified for the storage of nutrients, primarily , serving as a perennating organ that enables to survive adverse conditions and regrow in subsequent seasons. Botanically, true tubers originate from stem tissue, distinguishing them from tuberous , which are enlarged roots lacking stem characteristics like nodes and buds. They typically feature a solid, fleshy structure without a protective covering, unlike bulbs or corms, and often bear multiple buds or "eyes" along their surface for . Tubers play a crucial role in by storing carbohydrates and other reserves, which fuel rapid vegetative growth, flowering, and seed production upon . This storage function also supports vegetative , where sections of the tuber containing buds can be planted to produce genetically identical offspring, a key method in and . Notable examples include the (Solanum tuberosum), a stem tuber with prominent eyes that develop into new shoots, and the tubers of like tuberous begonias ( spp.) and cyclamen ( spp.), which are shorter and more rounded. In addition to their ecological role in plant survival, tubers are economically significant as staple food sources worldwide, providing essential calories and nutrients for human consumption in crops like potatoes, which are harvested for their high content. Their ability to propagate without makes them valuable for cultivation in diverse climates, though they require specific storage conditions to prevent or decay.

Definition and Terminology

Botanical Definition

In , a tuber is defined as a thickened, underground modified for the storage of nutrients such as and , while also facilitating and . refers to the plant's ability to survive unfavorable seasons, such as winter or , by entering a dormant state supported by these stored reserves. , or asexual propagation, occurs when buds on the tuber develop into new shoots and , allowing the plant to propagate without seeds. Tubers are distinguished from other underground storage structures like bulbs, which consist of layered, fleshy leaves surrounding a short stem, and rhizomes, which are horizontal, elongated stems that grow parallel to the surface. Unlike bulbs that feature protective, scale-like layers or corms that have a , tunic-covered base, tubers typically lack such external protections and instead bear prominent buds, often called "eyes," from which new growth emerges. True stem tubers originate from axillary buds on underground stems and exhibit nodes and internodes characteristic of stem tissue, whereas root tubers (or tuberous ) develop from adventitious without these stem-like features. The primary nutrient stored in tubers is , a complex composed of (a linear ) and (a branched ), which accumulates to provide for regrowth after . This starch buildup enables the to endure adverse environmental conditions by sustaining metabolic processes at a minimal level until favorable growing seasons return. Water storage complements these carbohydrates, helping maintain turgor and preventing during periods of stress.

Historical and Etymological Context

The term "tuber" originates from the Latin tūber, meaning "lump," "bump," or "swelling," which botanists adopted to denote thickened underground structures used for storage and . This etymological root reflects the visible morphology of such organs, evoking irregular, enlarged forms beneath the . Early references to these structures appear in ancient texts, including descriptions of underground parts resembling thickened or bulbs among herbaceous and wild . By the AD, the Latin term gained prominence through Pliny the Elder's , where he detailed various plants bearing "tubers," such as those with round, root-attached swellings, marking one of the earliest documented botanical applications. The 18th century saw formal botanical classification advance with Carl Linnaeus's (1753), which systematically described numerous tuber-producing plants, such as Solanum tuberosum, integrating them into his and highlighting their reproductive roles. This work shifted focus from anecdotal observations to structured taxonomy, though the encompassing life-form category of geophytes—encompassing tubers as perennating organs—was not coined until Christen C. Raunkiaer's system in 1904–1905. Terminology evolved significantly in the , transitioning from folk names like "earth apples" for potatoes in 16th-century European texts (e.g., Marx Rumpolt's 1581 ), which likened the buried tubers to subterranean fruits, to precise distinctions in modern . Botanists then differentiated "stem tubers" (modified stems, as in potatoes) from "root tubers" (modified roots, as in sweet potatoes), emphasizing anatomical origins to refine . Culturally, the term's influence extended to regional languages upon the potato's introduction to in the late , inspiring names like French pomme de terre ("apple of the earth"), a direct adaptation of folk descriptors that embedded tuber-like imagery into everyday lexicon.

Types and Morphology

Stem Tubers

Stem tubers are modified that develop primarily from or rhizomes, serving as specialized storage and reproductive organs in various plant species. Formation begins with the initiation of —horizontal stems emerging from axillary buds at the base of the main stem—under the influence of environmental cues such as short-day photoperiods and hormonal signals. The apical at the stolon tip undergoes rapid and expansion, leading to swelling and the development of the tuber; this process is regulated by proteins like SP6A, which translocate from leaves to promote thickening and inhibit linear growth. Adventitious and buds, known as "eyes," form at the nodes along the developing structure, enabling the tuber to function both as a storage site and a propagule for clonal . Morphologically, stem tubers exhibit a cylindrical, ovoid, or irregular shape, often covered by a thin, protective periderm or derived from the and cortex. Internally, they feature a parenchyma-rich with vascular bundles arranged in a spiral or ring pattern, facilitating transport and storage. These organs accumulate high levels of —up to 20% of fresh weight—synthesized from photosynthetic products translocated via the , alongside smaller amounts of proteins, vitamins, and minerals; the granules are typically large and oval, contributing to the tuber's dense, firm texture. Unlike typical stems, stem tubers lack extensive elongation but retain stem-like characteristics, such as scale leaves subtending the buds at nodes. The primary biological function of stem tubers is the storage of carbohydrates, particularly , which supports the plant's survival during adverse conditions like or winter by providing energy reserves derived from aboveground . Additionally, they enable , as each eye—a dormant at a node—can sprout to form a new shoot, , and independent plant upon planting or environmental triggering, promoting efficient clonal spread without reliance on seeds. In genera such as , this dual role enhances adaptability in nutrient-poor or disturbed soils. Biologically, stem tubers differ from root tubers in possessing distinct nodes and internodes with axillary buds, scale leaves, and adventitious (not primary) emerging from the base, whereas root tubers lack these stem-specific features and true root hairs, deriving instead from swollen adventitious roots without nodal structure.

Root Tubers

Root tubers develop from thickened adventitious or lateral , serving as modified storage organs that enable to store reserves below ground. This formation typically occurs in response to hormonal signals, particularly auxins, which promote and elongation in root tissues, leading to swelling without the presence of nodes characteristic of stems. Unlike stems, root tubers undergo through the activity of the , which produces layers of secondary and to support expansion and storage capacity. In terms of morphology, tubers often exhibit or irregular shapes adapted for underground storage, featuring a thicker, bark-like exterior formed by the periderm for protection against pathogens and . Internally, they display concentric rings of and resulting from , surrounding a core of cells that accumulate and other reserves, with typical concentrations ranging from 10-15% on a fresh weight basis—lower than in many stem tubers. The primary function of root tubers is to store and nutrients, enhancing resilience to by maintaining hydration and providing energy reserves during periods of stress. They also facilitate through root fragmentation, where segments can develop into new plants if attached to the parent , though this method is generally less efficient than the budding propagation seen in stem tubers due to the absence of pre-formed meristems. Biologically, root tubers differ from stem tubers in lacking buds or "eyes"—specialized axillary meristems for sprouting—and instead represent modifications of swollen adventitious roots, typically in fibrous root systems, as seen in families such as (e.g., ).

Key Examples

Potato as a Stem Tuber

The potato (Solanum tuberosum), a classic example of a stem tuber, develops from underground stolons as swollen storage organs that enable vegetative propagation through dormant buds known as eyes. Each mature tuber typically features 5 to 15 eyes, which are axillary buds capable of sprouting into new shoots under favorable conditions, facilitating the plant's clonal reproduction. The tuber's skin exhibits considerable variation in color, ranging from white and yellow to red and purple, depending on the cultivar, while the flesh is predominantly white or yellowish and serves as a nutrient reservoir rich in vitamin C and potassium, contributing significantly to human dietary needs. In its growth cycle, potatoes are planted in spring using seed tubers—cut pieces of mature tubers, each containing at least one to two eyes—that are placed 10 to 15 cm deep in prepared furrows. The crop reaches maturity in 90 to 120 days, at which point vines senesce, signaling time when tubers are dug up to avoid skin damage and exposure to . Optimal yields are influenced by environmental factors, including well-drained loamy soils that prevent waterlogging and promote development, and plant spacing of approximately 30 cm between hills to allow adequate and nutrient access without excessive competition. Genetic diversity underscores the potato's significance as a stem tuber, with over 4,000 varieties cultivated worldwide, many tracing their origins to the Andean highlands of where domestication began around 8,000 years ago near . This vast varietal pool has historically buffered against famines by enabling adaptation to diverse climates and pests, though reliance on a single susceptible variety during the amplified vulnerability, as seen in the Irish Potato Famine of 1845–1852, when late blight () devastated monoculture crops due to low . Comprising approximately 80% by fresh weight, potato tubers store primarily as carbohydrates, which account for 15 to 20% of the fresh mass, mainly in the form of that supports both plant regrowth and . However, they also contain natural defenses like , including , which concentrate in green skin and sprouts as toxins to deter herbivores and pathogens, rendering exposed or sprouted portions potentially harmful if consumed in quantity.

Sweet Potato as a Root Tuber

The (Ipomoea batatas) is a dicotyledonous that forms its characteristic storage through secondary thickening of adventitious roots within a , distinguishing these true root tubers from stem-based structures. These enlarged serve primarily as nutrient reservoirs, accumulating starches and bioactive compounds, with orange-fleshed cultivars particularly valued for their elevated beta-carotene levels, which act as a precursor to and support nutritional interventions against deficiency. Unlike stem tubers such as the , sweet potato roots lack eyes or axillary buds, preventing direct sprouting from the tuber itself. Instead, propagation relies on vine cuttings, typically involving segments with multiple nodes planted to generate new , a method that ensures rapid establishment in suitable environments. Native to tropical regions, I. batatas functions as a in its origin areas but is cultivated annually in most production systems, completing its growth cycle in 3 to 5 months from planting to harvest. Optimal development occurs in well-drained sandy soils with a slightly acidic range of 5.0 to 7.5, though the demonstrates notable tolerance to suboptimal conditions, including nutrient-poor soils, thanks to its extensive deep that enhances water and uptake. This adaptability contributes to its global prominence, with annual production approximating 90 million metric tons as of 2023, predominantly in and . Domesticated around 5,000 years ago in by indigenous communities, the sweet potato spread widely through human migration, notably reaching via pre-Columbian voyages around AD 1000 to 1300, as evidenced by archaeological and genetic studies. Compared to the common potato ( tuberosum), sweet potatoes provide superior nutritional profiles in several aspects, boasting higher content for improved digestive health and greater concentrations of antioxidants like beta-carotene and polyphenols, which offer protective effects against . Distinctive features of sweet potato root tubers include the presence of anthocyanins in purple-fleshed varieties, which impart vibrant coloration and potent activity linked to and potential anti-cancer benefits. Although vulnerable to pests such as the sweet potato weevil (Cylas formicarius), which can severely damage storage roots, the crop's deep rooting—often extending beyond 1 meter—confers inherent resistance by accessing subsoil moisture, reducing yield losses in arid conditions compared to shallower-rooted alternatives.

Cultivation and Uses

Agricultural Practices

Tuber crops, such as potatoes and sweet potatoes, are typically propagated vegetatively using disease-free seed tubers or slips to ensure healthy stands and minimize introduction. For potatoes, certified seed tubers are cut into pieces with at least one eye each and planted at a depth of 10-15 cm in rows spaced 75-90 cm apart, allowing for proper emergence and growth. Sweet potato slips, rooted vine cuttings about 20-25 cm long, are similarly planted 10-15 cm deep in rows 90-120 cm apart to promote root development. with non-host crops like cereals or for 3-5 years is essential to suppress soil-borne pests such as nematodes, reducing population buildup and maintaining . Optimal soil for tuber cultivation is well-drained, loose, and sandy or loam to prevent waterlogging and allow tuber expansion, with a range of 5.5-6.5 for potatoes and 6.0-6.5 for sweet potatoes to support nutrient availability. Stem tubers like potatoes thrive in temperate climates with average temperatures of 15-20°C during tuber initiation, requiring a frost-free period of 90-120 days. In contrast, root tubers such as sweet potatoes prefer tropical or subtropical conditions with temperatures of 20-30°C and a longer frost-free season of 100-150 days for optimal root bulking. is critical, providing 500-700 mm of over the through methods like drip or sprinkler systems to maintain consistent without excess, as deficits can reduce yields while overwatering promotes rot. Pest and disease management in tuber crops relies on integrated approaches, including resistant varieties, cultural practices, and targeted treatments to minimize losses. For potatoes, late blight caused by is a major threat, managed through applications like copper-based compounds during humid conditions and removal of infected foliage, alongside planting resistant cultivars such as 'Defender'. Nematodes and insects like the are controlled via and biological agents, reducing chemical reliance. Sweet potatoes face challenges from sweet potato weevils and fungal diseases like black rot, addressed by using virus-free slips, sanitation, and insecticides only when thresholds are met, with enhancing soil suppression. Overall, certified planting material and monitoring are foundational to preventing outbreaks across tuber types. Harvesting occurs when tubers reach maturity to maximize yield and quality, typically 90-120 days after planting for potatoes and 100-150 days for potatoes, signaled by vine yellowing or die-back. Tubers are dug carefully with forks or mechanized harvesters to avoid cuts, which invite decay, ideally when soil is dry and temperatures above 10°C. Post-harvest curing heals wounds and thickens skins: for potatoes, hold at 29-30°C and 85-95% relative for 4-7 days; for potatoes, cure at 10-15°C with high for 1-2 weeks. Proper curing extends storage life up to 6 months at 4-13°C and 90-95% , depending on variety, preventing and rot while preserving marketability.

Culinary and Industrial Applications

Tubers serve as staple foods across diverse cuisines, valued for their versatility in preparation methods such as , , mashing, , and . Potatoes, for instance, are transformed into through deep-frying, potato chips via slicing and , and mashed potatoes by and pureeing, contributing to their status as the world's fourth-largest food crop by production volume. Sweet potatoes, a tuber, feature prominently in both savory dishes like roasted or steamed sides and sweet preparations such as pies, casseroles, and baked goods, enhancing flavor with their natural sweetness. In 2023, global potato production reached approximately 383 million metric tons, underscoring their role in daily diets worldwide. Nutritionally, tubers provide high levels of complex carbohydrates, serving as an efficient energy source while generally exhibiting a low that supports stable blood sugar levels. A medium-sized (148g) with skin delivers about 30% of the daily value for , 15% for , and 7% for , with zero fat and . Sweet potatoes stand out for their rich content, offering more than 200% of the daily value for (from beta-carotene) per medium serving (130g), alongside significant and contributions that promote eye health and immune function. In industrial contexts, tubers are processed primarily for starch extraction, with —composed of about 80% —widely applied in paper production for and , textiles for warp and finishing, and adhesives due to its binding properties and clarity. Waste tubers and processing byproducts are increasingly converted into biofuels, such as , through , offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Certain tubers, like yams ( ), yield diosgenin, a steroidal sapogenin extracted for pharmaceutical synthesis of corticosteroids, progesterone, and other hormones used in treatments for , hormonal imbalances, and metabolic disorders. Economically, tubers bolster in developing countries by providing affordable, calorie-dense nutrition to low-income populations, particularly in and where they form up to 55% of caloric intake in some regions. The global trade, encompassing fresh and processed forms, generated approximately $6.2 billion in export value for raw potatoes alone in 2023, supporting rural livelihoods and international markets.

Ecological Role

Reproductive Function

Tubers facilitate in by serving as storage organs that accumulate carbohydrates and other nutrients, providing the necessary for and the development of new shoots and roots. During , tubers remain viable underground, and upon favorable conditions such as moisture and temperature, buds (known as eyes in stem tubers) or basal segments activate to produce independent . This process results in clonal offspring that are genetically identical to the parent, preserving desirable traits without the associated with . The primary advantages of tuber-based asexual reproduction include enabling rapid colonization of disturbed or resource-limited soils, where establishing new plants quickly from stored reserves outcompetes slower seed-based strategies. Additionally, it circumvents the uncertainties of , such as dependency on pollinators or compatible mates, allowing in isolated or unstable environments. In natural propagation, root tubers divide through the growth of new basal shoots from existing buds, producing multiple daughter tubers annually that can separate and establish independently. Human-assisted propagation, such as cutting stem tubers into segments each containing at least one eye, allows a single tuber to yield 5-10 new , accelerating multiplication for agriculture. Despite these benefits, clonal reproduction via tubers increases susceptibility to viral diseases, as pathogens like persist and spread through successive generations of infected propagules without the buffering effect of . Furthermore, the resulting uniformity reduces overall within populations, limiting adaptability to evolving pests, diseases, or environmental changes compared to seed-propagated .

Adaptations and Distribution

Tubers exhibit several key environmental adaptations that enhance plant survival in challenging conditions. in tubers serves as a critical mechanism to withstand and , allowing to remain viable underground during adverse periods and resume growth when conditions improve. For instance, the belowground storage organs maintain stable temperatures and moisture levels, protecting against freezing temperatures and . Additionally, many tuber-bearing produce toxins such as in potatoes to deter herbivores; this acts as an , discouraging consumption by insects and other pests. Mycorrhizal associations further bolster resilience by facilitating enhanced nutrient uptake, particularly and , from nutrient-poor soils, which is vital for tuber development in diverse ecosystems. The formation of tubers has evolved convergently multiple times in angiosperms since the period, with specific examples like tubers developing approximately 9 million years ago through hybridization events between a relative and another wild species. This emergence facilitated among geophyte lineages—plants with underground perennating organs like tubers—allowing them to occupy varied niches in both temperate and tropical environments. Geophytes, including those with tubers, have diversified to exploit cooler, drier, and more thermally variable climates compared to non-geophytic , with underground structures such as tubers providing advantages in resource storage and regrowth. Stem tubers have diverse native distributions, with major crops like potatoes originating in the of and yams in , , and parts of the , adapted to various temperate and tropical conditions. Root tubers are widely cultivated in and , with examples including (native to ) in sub-Saharan and sweet potatoes (native to ) across Asian tropics, demonstrating their successful adaptation to warmer, more humid environments through agricultural spread. Some tuber species exhibit invasive potential outside native ranges; for example, vine tubers have facilitated rapid spread across the since their introduction in the 1930s, smothering native vegetation and altering ecosystems. Climate change poses significant threats to tuber plants, increasing vulnerability through warming soils that accelerate dormancy breakage and heighten susceptibility during storage. Rising temperatures disrupt nutrient uptake and tuber quality, potentially reducing yields in traditional growing areas. As a result, cultivation zones are shifting; for potatoes, farmers in regions like are moving to higher altitudes to access cooler conditions, though this adaptation is limited by available land and may exacerbate in montane ecosystems.

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