StMKK9 positively regulates tuber formation and cold adaptation in potato.

StMKK9 enhances potato tuber formation and cold tolerance, promoting early tuberization and reducing cold-induced oxidative damage in potato plants.

• Why it matters: Understanding key regulators of tuber development and cold adaptation is crucial for breeding resilient potato varieties amid climate variability.
• What they did: Researchers conducted transcriptomic analysis across eight tuber formation stages, identified StMKK9 as a candidate regulator, and used overexpression lines to assess its effects on tuberization and cold response.
• The result: Overexpressing StMKK9 accelerated tuber initiation, increased tuber yield, and mitigated cold stress damage, highlighting its potential as a target for improving potato productivity and climate resilience.