Abstract. A model 'LINTUL-POT ATO' is described which bases total dry matter production on light use efficiency of intercepted light by a potato crop. The course of light interception by green leaves initially is temperature-sum dependent and is also steered by influences of daylength and temperature on assimilate partitioning. Dry matter allocation to the foliage, which determines the final length of the growing period, is determined by a day length and temperature dependent period between emergence and tuber initiation and subsequent partitioning of dry matter to the tubers. Once the tuber daily growth rate equals total crop dry matter accumulation, no more foliage is formed and the crop senesces faster at higher temperatures. The aim of this paper is to explain effects of temperature and daylength on total tuber production from the effects of these environmental factors on the underlying processes. The relative effect of temperature on rates of emergence, light use efficiency, tuber initiation and tuber growth, and, the effect of daylength on development rate until tuber initiation are represented quantitatively. Potential tuber production at some temperature and day length regimes is calculated exploratively and compared with results from the literature. The model can be used to simulate tuber dry matter production in specific environments and to select cultivars for such environments with suitable temperature and daylength reactions on tuber initiation and dry matter partitioning so as to maximise yields.

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