The instant invention relates to identification of certain genes in potatoes, which are activated by treatment of said potatoes with a preselected dosage of a lower alkyl naphthalene, especially 1,4 dimethyl naphthalene. The activation of these genes produces a dormancy-like state in said potatoes. Particular embodiments relate to the identification of dehydration-resistant genes in said potatoes, which were also activated by said treatment with a lower alkyl naphthalene, such as 1,4 dimethyl naphthalene.
