Factors influencing incidence of internal brown spot in Russet Burbank potatoes

Studies were conducted to determine factors influencing incidence of internal brown spot (IBS) in Russet Burbank potatoes. A significant decrease in the incidence of IBS occurred as planting date was delayed from March 31 to May 12. IBS increased during storage particularly at the higher storage temperature and in larger tubers. Foliar application of maleic hydrazide (MH) significantly reduced IBS from a high of 33% of tubers to less than 10%. The incidence of IBS in tubers was lower in the field as well as in storage from plants sprayed with MH. Tubers with high specific gravity had greater incidence of IBS than low gravity tubers. Results indicate that IBS is a physiological disorder influenced by factors affecting growth of tubers.     

Seed Potato Performance after Storage in Light at Elevated Temperatures

In regions with short growth seasons, it is of great importance to use potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) seed tubers with a high growth vigour and a short growth cycle. Such qualities may be obtained by treatments advancing the physiological age of the seed tubers. In this study, we have exposed tubers from four cultivars to various combinations of temperature and light conditions (green-sprouting) for 3–7 months in controlled climate. Subsequent sprout quality, seed tuber health and performance were studied in laboratory, greenhouse and field trials. Satisfactory short, sturdy and leafy sprouts were produced even after 7 months storage at 15 °C under light exposure. An assay of black scurf (Rhizoctonia solani) on the tuber skin showed that light exposure significantly reduced the occurrence compared with dark-stored tubers, while the average effect of storage temperatures was insignificant. In general, green-sprouting advanced emergence and plant growth by 1–2 weeks, and showed early tuber initiation and growth, compared to untreated material. Yields, 107 days after planting in the field trial, did not deviate significantly from untreated tubers. However, plant development at harvest was in accordance with general responses to physiological ageing of potato seed tubers, i.e. still tall and immature plants from untreated tubers, and short and mature plants from aged tubers. Results demonstrated the possibility of successful long-term storage of potato seed tubers in light at elevated temperatures and a potential for earlier harvests and higher early yields from such treatments.     

Effect of year,location, and harvest on susceptibility of cultivars to internal heat necrosis in North Carolina

Internal heat necrosis (IHN) is a physiological disorder that affects potato quality. The influences of year, location, harvest date, and tuber size on the incidence of IHN were investigated toward developing an IHN screening technique. In 1989 and 1990, potato cultivars were grown at two North Carolina locations with normal season (90–105 days) and late (115–125 days) harvests at each location. At each harvest, yield data were taken, tubers were divided into three size classes (1= 48–64 mm, 2 = 65–83 mm, and 3 = > 83 mm), and 20 tubers were evaluated for amount and severity of IHN within each size class. More IHN was observed when tubers were sampled in size class 2 versus size class 1; there were not enough tubers in size class 3 to evaluate. Cultivars differed significantly in their susceptibility to IHN. Location did not influence the amount of IHN observed. Time of harvest also did not significantly affect incidence of IHN. The amount of IHN varied greatly depending on the year. Resistant and susceptible checks are strongly recommended to be included in future IHN field studies to monitor yearly variation in IHN severity.     

Impact of Stolbur Phytoplasmas on Potato Tuber Texture and Sugar Content of Selected Potato Cultivars

Potato stolbur is a phytoplasmal disease that seriously affects yield and tuber quality in South Eastern Europe, Russia and the Mediterranean areas. In 2007 and 2008, field experiments were carried out to determine stolbur resistance of processing potato cultivars at Sannicolau Mare (Romania) by determining consistency and concentration of reducing sugars (fructose and glucose), sucrose and phytoplasmas in potato tubers. In both years, non-symptomatic potato tubers showed sucrose levels in the range of 3,000 mg kg⁻¹ fresh weight (FW). In contrast, sucrose concentrations were up to 11,820 mg kg⁻¹ FW in 2007 and 19,560 mg kg⁻¹ FW in 2008 in tubers showing severe symptoms. These high values severely affect suitability of tubers for processing as sucrose serves as substrate for the formation of reducing sugars that are the limiting factor in fried potato production for Maillard-related discolouration. The cultivars examined differed considerably in susceptibility to stolbur disease. Whereas cvs. ‘Courage’ and ‘Lady Rosetta’ showed high numbers of diseased tubers and high sucrose concentrations, ‘Lady Claire’ had a lower incidence of symptomatic tubers and lower sucrose concentrations. However, fully resistant cultivars were not observed. Across all cultivars examined, phytoplasmal concentration was significantly higher in symptomatic tubers than in non-symptomatic ones.     

Tuber initiation and development in irrigated and non-irrigated potatoes

Tuber initiation and development are processes basic to potato production and are particularly critical in areas with short growing seasons. It is important to know how and to what extent management decisions affect these processes in order to maximize the yield of marketable tubers. A two-year field study, conducted in southcentral Alaska, examined top growth, tuber initiation, and tuber development in eight potato cultivars grown with and without irrigation. Plants of the cultivars Allagash Russet, Bake-King, Green Mountain, Kennebec, Lemhi Russet, Russet Burbank, Shepody, and Superior were harvested weekly throughout the growing season, and top dry weight, numbers of tubers, and individual tuber fresh weights were recorded. Top dry weight was reduced by moisture stress shortly after emergence in 1993, and about one month following emergence in 1994, when early-season soil moisture was greater. The weight of tubers was similarly affected within approximately 5 wk of emergence in 1993 and 6 weeks in 1994. Tuber weight at harvest was increased two-to three-fold by irrigation in all cultivars. The number of tubers each plant set was affected by irrigation in most, but not all, cultivars. Some varieties (Lemhi Russet in 1994, Allagash Russet both years) set more tubers than were maintained through the growing season. Tuber remnants found during sample collection indicated that tuber reabsorption had occurred. Irrigated Green Mountain had more than one tuber initiation period during the season, whereas other varieties such as Shepody maintained a relatively constant number of tubers following initial tuber set. Tuber size distribution at the end of the growing season showed that larger tubers were favored by irrigation.     

Effect of Packaging Material on Shelf Life and Quality of Ware Potato Tubers Stored at Ambient Tropical Temperatures

The effect of seven packaging materials (transparent perforated and non-perforated high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bags, black perforated and non-perforated low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags, nylon gunny sacks, khaki bags and net bags) on post-harvest quality of tubers from three potato cultivars was evaluated. Data were collected on time and percentage of sprouting, weight loss rates and percentage tubers with greening and rotting. Packaging significantly reduced weight loss and rate of tuber greening but increased the rate of sprouting and decay incidences. Non-perforated PE bags were the most effective in reducing weight losses, recording losses of 0.7 to 0.9% after 32 days in storage while unpackaged tubers had weight losses of 11 to 12%. Tuber rotting was highest (60 to 66% of the tubers) in non-perforated PE bags. Greening was faster in non-packaged tubers recording 55 to 100% after 2 weeks in storage and showed high cultivar differences, but did not occur in black bags, whether perforated or non-perforated. Sprouting was complete by week 3 in all tubers packaged in non-perforated HDPE bags irrespective of cultivar. Although the non-perforated HDPE bag packaging prevented weight loss, its positive effect was counteracted by the high incidence of rotting and sprouting. Amongst the different materials evaluated, perforated low-density black PE bags were the best method for ware potato packaging due to low sprouting, reduced weight loss, low rate of tuber greening and reduced rate of tuber decay compared to other packaging materials. The study also indicated that the interaction between cultivars, packaging and storage period also affected shelf life of ware potatoes under ambient tropical conditions.     

云南省宣威市马铃薯晚疫病发病规律研究

本研究用定点观察的方法,连续3年对云南省宣威市马铃薯种植田块中田间气候、种植习惯、品种等因素进行调查记录,同时观察记录该区域马铃薯晚疫病田间发生、发展情况。结果表明:马铃薯疫病在云南宣威市的发生与流行受主栽品种的抗性、种薯带菌率以及田间气候条件等多因素综合影响。新品种滇薯6号在当地表现出较好的抗性;种薯带菌率越高,田间晚疫病发生越重,流行越快;田间相对湿度高,对晚疫病发生与流行十分有利。     

Incidence, appearance and development of potato mop-top furovirus-induced spraing in potato cultivars and the influence on yield, distribution in Denmark and detection of the virus in tubers by ELISA

Summary 23 potato cultivars were grown in fields infested with potato mop-top virus and spraing was assessed on tubers at harvest and after storage. Large differences in spraing susceptibility were found between cultivars. Compared with other countries, spraing in Denmark is characterised by a high incidence at harvest, a low increase during storage and a very low proportion of superficial spraing. Decrease in spraing during storage was recorded in two cultivars. DASELISA tests for PMTV in tubers revealted a high reliability. Mapping of PMTV in important Danish potato growing areas showed that the virus is widespread. Occurrence of spraing did not influence total yield or dry matter content. Soil acidity did not influence incidence of spraing but it was more common on coarse-grained soil than on finer sandy soils. PMTV in viruliferous resting spores ofSpongospora subterranea was inactivated by heating to 90°C for 15 minutes.     

Resistance of tubers from different potato cultivars to soft rot caused byErwinia carotovora subsp.atroseptica

Mechanically harvested tubers of 14 potato cultivars grown on both loamy sand and silt loam soils were evaluated for resistance to bacterial soft rot caused byErwinia carotovora subsp.atroseptica. Cultivars were also assayed for calcium and dry matter content to determine possible correlations with soft rot resistance. Resistance of potato tubers to bacterial soft rot was assayed after harvest by inoculating tubers and determining percent surface area decayed after four days in a mist chamber. Tubers of the cultivars differed widely in resistance to bacterial soft rot. The ranking of the resistance of tubers from different cultivars to bacterial soft rot was similar for both soils, although disease severity in tubers from a particular soil type varied with the season. Of the cultivars tested, tubers of Butte, Russet Burbank, and Nor-gold Russet were ranked as the most resistant, whereas tubers of Redsen, Norchip, Norland and Belchip were rated as the most susceptible. Tubers of Rhinered, Red La Soda, Superior, Pontiac, Atlantic, and Nooksack were intermediate in resistance. Neither calcium concentration in medullar tissues nor dry matter of potato tubers alone could be correlated with ranking of the cultivars with respect to severity of bacterial soft rot. However, a multiple linear regression model incorporating both variables indicated that tubers with a high content of both calcium and dry matter were likely to be less susceptible to bacterial soft rot than were tubers with lower percentages of these variables.     

Detection ofCorynebacterium sepedonicum in potato cultivars with different propensities to express ring rot symptoms

Various potato cultivars were grown in field plots from seed pieces inoculated withCoryneacterium sepedanicum by vacuum infiltration. Foliage symptoms were recorded during the growing season and tuber symptoms at harvest. Cultivars were ranked according to the frequency with which the progeny tubers expressed external bacterial ring rot symptoms. Those that yielded 50–100% symptomatic tubers were placed in symptom expression class (SEC) 1; those that produced 25–49%, 10–24%, and ≤9% symptomatic tubers were placed, respectively, in SEC 2,3, and 4. The incidence of latent ring rot infections in stems and tubers were similar among cultivars in the different SEC classes. Bacterial population densities, quantified by immunofluorescence, were as high as 10¹⁰ cells/g in stems from cultivars of all SEC classes. Mean populations in tubers ranged from 10⁶ – 10⁷ cells/g and did not differ significantly among cultivars.     

Specific Gravity,Dry Matter and Starch Concentration of Different Potato Cultivars as Affected by Arsenic Contamination

Arsenic (As) contamination of the soil may affect the quality of potato tubers. When assessing the processing quality of potato cultivars, specific gravity (SG) is the measurement of choice for estimating dry matter (DM) and starch concentrations in the potato tubers. In this study, effects of the As concentration in the soil on quality parameters (SG, DM, starch concentration and total soluble solids (TSS)) of 11 potato cultivars in Bangladesh were investigated in an outdoor pot experiment with a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and three blocks, at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from November, 2012 to March, 2013. The results showed highly significant differences between cultivars in quality parameters, except SG. Both As levels (25 and 50 mg As kg^?1 soil) reduced the DM and starch concentration in the tubers of the potato cultivars compared to the control (0 mg As kg^?1 soil), but had no significant effects on SG and TSS. ‘Lady Rosetta’ showed the highest SG (1.093 g cm^?3), DM (23.02%) and starch concentration (16.60%). The lowest SG (1.065 g cm^?3), DM (17.04%), and starch concentration (10.96%) was found in ‘Granola’. Highest TSS (5.91) was found in ‘Jam Alu’ while ‘Meridian’ had the lowest °Brix value (3.76). Bangladeshi potato farmers will benefit from the information generated regarding potato cultivation under As affected areas.     

Variation of Growth and Disease Characters Between Clones of Potato (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Solanum tuberosum</Emphasis> L.)

The occurrence and magnitude of variation of selected characters in clones derived from meristem tips of four potato cultivars in field trials in three countries was assessed. Recorded were: the number of plants per plot; maturity of plants; skin and flesh colour; tuber deformity; time of emergence; flowering; number of stems and tubers per plant; tuber size, yield and dry matter percentage; and the occurrence of common scab. Far more significant differences between clones than could be expected by chance were found for the last eight characters. Most of the significant differences for number of stems per plant, number of tubers, yield and tuber size distribution were found in six clones of three cultivars and were repeated at different locations and in different years. It is concluded that significant clone differences exist and are repeated at independent locations over the years.     

应用过氧化物同工酶(POD)鉴定马铃薯品种及纯度的研究初报

以不同品种马铃薯块茎、叶片和芽为研究对象,通过分析其过氧化物酶的同工酶谱的差异进行品种鉴定.马铃薯叶片和芽的同工酶谱分辨力高,不同品种差异显著,可作为品种鉴定和纯度分析的可靠的理论依据,而块茎可供分析的同工酶谱带少,效果不如用水溶性特异蛋白带鉴定方法好,只作为辅助鉴定,因此,过氧化物同工酶谱与块茎水溶性特异蛋白谱带互为补充作为用生化方法鉴定马铃薯品种和纯度的有效手段.     

Assessment of Possibilities of Microtuber and in vitro Plantlet Seed Multiplication in Field Conditions. Part 1: PVY,PVM and PLRV Spreading

Currently in vitro plantlets and microtubers provide the basis for pre-base production of potato seeds, from which minitubers are produced under covers – they serve later as seed material to be planted in the field. The aim of the research was to determine the possibility for multiplication of material produced in vitro directly in field conditions. The research assessed PVY, PVM and PLRV infection of potato tubers derived from plants grown directly from in vitro plantlets, microtubers, minitubers and traditional seed potatoes planted in the field at different times. Moreover, testing in laboratory conditions, the susceptibility of these plants to virus infection was determined for the case of artificial inoculation of Myzus persicae and Aphis nasturtii. It was found that the infection of tubers derived from in vitro plantlets and microtubers was greater than that of seed potatoes and minitubers. Yet it seems that the reason for their higher infection level resulted not from the plant’s sensitivity or its greater attractiveness to aphids but from a largely unknown cause. Earlier planting of microtubers and in vitro plantlets in the field in case of the more resistant cultivar and certainly later in relation to the main time of planting had an impact on limiting the PVY and PVM infection of potato tubers. Hence multiplication of microtubers and in vitro plantlets in field conditions could be very economical using cultivars which are relatively resistant to viruses. However, adopting a later than usual planting period (end of June) and applying an additional protective cover (such as non-woven agricultural fabric) in the first period of a plant’s growth, promotes multiplication of microtubers and in vitro plantlets in field conditions for cultivars with low resistance levels.     

The effect of potassium deficiency on chemical, biochemical and physical factors commonly associated with blackspot development in potato tubers

Blackspot bruise is a physiological disorder of potato tubers resulting from mechanical damage to tissues during handling. This study examined the effect of potassium nutrition on biochemical and physical changes normally associated with blackspot bruise in potato tubers. Four potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) genotypes (TXA 763-5 [very resistant], Ranger Russet [very susceptible], Russet Burbank [susceptible], and Lemhi Russet [very susceptible]) differing in susceptibility to blackspot bruise were grown at three potassium nutrition levels (100%, 10% and 0% of the potassium in full strength Hoagland’s solution). Tubers from the three treatments were tested for their chemical, biochemical and physical characteristics commonly related to blackspot bruise susceptibility. The potential to develop malanin pigments was measured as total oxidative potential (optical density, OD₄₇₅) of clarified tuber homogenates. Tuber tissue extracts were assayed for polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity with catechol, measured as increase in OD₄₁₀ over time. Specific gravity of tubers was determined with a brine solution series. Physical property measurements were made by impacting cores of tuber tissue in a specially designed instrumented pendulum. Shock wave speed, Young’s modulus, failure stress, and failure strain were all measured dynamically during impact. Tubers produced under both the 10% and 0% potassium regimens had almost 2x the free tyrosine of control tubers. The 0% potassium tubers had significantly higher PPO activity than the control. Both of these factors likely contributed to the significantly higher total oxidative potential that was observed in tubers from both the 10% and 0% potassium treatments. Tubers from both the 0% and 10% potassium treatments had a significantly lower Young’s modulus (a measure of stiffness), significantly lower failure stress and the shock wave of impact propagated through both of them significantly slower. Although the cultivars were significantly different in their susceptibility to black pigment development, they all responded similarly to the treatment with regards to the variables measured. The TXA-763-5 clone was much more susceptible to developing black pigments in these tests than expected. The other three cultivars performed as they do in commerce.     

马铃薯贮藏还原糖含量与不同因素的相互关系的分析

马铃薯贮藏过程中其还原据含量受温度、体积、时间以及通风量和光照条件的影响。用夏·薛·哈(Somogyi—Shaffer—Hartmarin)三氏法测定了8541至8545、东北白和紫花白7品种(系)的马铃薯还原糖在贮藏期随温度、体积、品种以及不同时期的含量;并对正交试验数据进行了处理,得到了贮藏期还原糖含量受诸多因素影响的变化关系,结果表明,正交试验法是一种行之有效的研究方法。     

Sporulation ofPhytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary on the surface of diseased potatoes and tuber to tuber spread of infection during handling

Summary Laboratory experiments and observations in commercial stores showed that viable sporangia ofPhytophthora infestans can be produced on infected potato tubers of different cultivars. Infection was also found to spread from diseased to healthy tubers during handling.     

Effect of pre-planting temperature and light treatments of seed tubers on potato yield and tuber size distribution

Summary From 1985 to 1987 field experiments were caried out to test the influence of different pre-planting storage treatments on yield and size distribution of potato crops. The storage treatments included 4, 8 and 12°C in the light and in the dark, for different periods before planting. Subjecting the seed tubers to light at low temperatures induced crops to produce a larger proportion of smaller sized tubers while storing seed tubers at higher temperatures in the dark led to an increase of tubers >55 mm. These observations were confirmed in five field experiments with two cultivars at two sites and in three growing seasons.     

Symptoms induced by Andean potato latent virus in wild and cultivated potatoes

Summary The symptomatology of Andean potato latent virus (APLV) was studied in several wild potato species and potato cultivars using isolates Caj, Hu and Ay from Peru. In greenhouse tests, the virus was latent in most isolate/cultivar combinations with primary infection but secondary infection commonly caused symptoms. Wild species infected with the different isolates normally reacted with symptoms with either type of infection. The main symptoms were mosaics, chlorotic netting of minor leaf veins and, with wild species, leaf deformation; the netting symptom was typical only with Caj. In infected cultivars growing in the field, an additional symptom, rugosity, sometimes also developed and environmental conditions at high altitude seemed to enhance symptom formation. Very severe symptoms were found in a cultivar jointly infected with APLV and Andean potato mottle virus. Transmission of APLV from an infected plant to its tubers was erratic.     

Expression of hollow heart in segregating tetraploid potato families

Expression of hollow heart, a physiological disorder in potato, is controlled by both genotype and environment. Development of high levels of resistance in cultivars would reduce economic yield losses that occur under conditions that promote hollow heart. This experiment was conducted to study hollow heart in segregating populations from parents in a breeding program. Nine families were planted in a replicated trial under dryland conditions and five of those families were also grown at an irrigated location under conditions favoring the expression of hollow heart. As expected, positive correlations between hollow heart and both mean yield and tuber weight were detected; correlations between hollow heart and tuber number were negative. Hierarchical regression analysis was performed on these yield traits to determine the independent contribution of each to the overall results. The highest levels of hollow heart were found in families with susceptible parents, but susceptible clones were obtained in families with two resistant parents. Regardless of the type of cross, selection of clones with large tubers increased the probability of selecting for susceptibility to hollow heart.