Dry matter accumulation in potato clones under seasonal high temperature conditions in Pakistan

The effects of seasonal high temperatures on potatoes were investigated under field conditions near Peshawar, Pakistan. Five potato clones (A79196-1, Desiree, DTO-28, LT-1, Russet Burbank) were grown during the spring season at two locations. Canopy development, vine dry weight and tuber dry weight were determined at 13-day intervals, starting 68 days after planting (DAP). Tuber yield was higher in heat tolerant clones compared to heat susceptible clones. Location significantly affected tuber dry weights. Tuber dry weights of Russet Burbank were consistently lower than those of DTO-28. Ground canopy cover of DTO-28 occurred earlier and reached maximum at 75 DAP, compared to 90 DAP for Desiree. DTO-28, because of its high tuber yield under cool as well as hot temperatures, and its relatively early bulking, should be a promising clone for a short duration crop in hotter regions.     

Biochemical characteristics of potato clones differing in blackspot susceptibility

The relationships between enzymatic discoloration and selected biochemical characteristics of tubers from nine clones were determined in an attempt to explain varietal differences in blackspot susceptibility. These nine clones represent a wide range of blackspot susceptibility as determined by two discoloration indices after abrasive peeling. Enzymatic discoloration for combined data from the 1983 and 1984 growing seasons was highly correlated with total phenol (r=0.89) and tyrosine (r=0.85) concentrations. Conversely, discoloration was negatively correlated with soluble protein in 1983 (r=-0.78) and 1984 (r=-0.77). Polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activities, apparent Michaelis constants and maximum velocity values, from crude and partially purified enzyme preparations, were not significantly correlated with enzymatic discoloration. Varietal susceptibility to enzymatic discoloration appears to be related to concentrations of endogenous phenolic substrates of PPO, rather than to differences in the quantity or properties of the PPO enzyme.     

The effects of foliar application of cytokinins on potato yields in southeastern Idaho

The “Cytex” product, a commercial seaweed extract containing natural cytokinins, was tested as a foliar spray for seven years, using several potato clones and several rates and dates of application. Throughout seven years, the Russet Burbank cultivar showed no measurable response to the “Cytex” product. Application of kinetin in a single season also produced no response. Throughout five years of testing, the Lemhi Russet showed a substantial yield response in one year, a moderate response in a second year, and a possible small response to 1 of 6 treatments in a third year. The best time for application is during the 2-week period directly following tuber initiation.     

Chipping performance of three processing potato cultivars during long-term storage at two temperature regimes

Three potato cultivars (Russet Burbank, Norchip, and Gemchip) grown with nitrogen applied at three rates were stored at two temperature regimes (Treatment 1: 13 months at 10 CTreatment 2: 1 month at 10 C; followed by a 1 C decrease per week until tubers were 4 C; followed by 6 months at 4 C; followed by a 1 C increase per week until tubers were 10 C; followed by 3 months at 10 C). Tuber chemical components and potato chip appearance were measured at harvest and after 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, and 13 months; these measurements were performed within 24 hours of the time potatoes were removed from storage. Sugar responses (tuber glucose, fructose, sucrose) and potato chip appearance were affected by cultivar over time in both years and storage temperatures. Russet Burbank tubers displayed a significantly higher glucose forming potential and produced darker appearing chips, regardless of storage temperature or time in storage, compared to Norchip and Gemchip. Potatoes receiving a cold-storage treatment contained less sugar and produced lighter appearing chips after 12 months storage compared to tubers stored at a constant 10 C for 12 months. The linear association between tuber chemical components and potato chip appearance varied with storage temperature.     

Relationship between leaf gas exchange characteristics and productivity of potato clones grown at different temperatures

The rate of dark respiration (Rd) and net photosynthesis (Pn) at various leaf temperatures was examined in three potato clones (Solatium tuberosum L.) differing in heat tolerance. Plants were grown at low (25/12 C, day/night) and high (35/25 C) greenhouse air temperatures for five weeks, beginning two weeks after tuberization. Gas exchange characteristics were measured by manometric and infrared gas analyzer techniques. Respiration:photosynthesis ratios were calculated as indicators of leaf carbon balance. High greenhouse temperature reduced whole plant and tuber growth rate of all clones, however, the reduction was highest in the cultivar Russet Burbank (heat sensitive). Gas exchange characteristics did not explain differences in heat tolerance. The heat tolerant cultivar Desiree had Rd similar to Russet Burbank, while the clone DTO-28, also heat tolerant, had lower Rd of mature leaves than Russet Burbank or Desiree. However, all clones had similar Rd of immature leaves. There was no apparent relationship between heat tolerance and Pn for the three clones. DTO-28 had lower respirationrphotosynthesis ratios of immature and mature leaves than Russet Burbank 4 weeks after the start of the high temperature treatment. Desiree had respiration:photosynthesis ratios as high as Russet Burbank. At different sampling times, Rd increased in a linear and curvilinear manner with increasing leaf temperature up to 40 C. Heat tolerant and sensitive clones had similar rates of increase in Rd with increasing leaf temperature. Simultaneous measurement of Rd and Pn did not help explain differences in heat tolerance among clones. However, determination of respirationrphotosynthesis ratios may help explain the physiological basis for heat tolerance of some clones.     

Respiration and sugar content of potato tubers as influenced by storage temperature

American Journal of Potato Research - Tubers of Russet Burbank, Kennebec, Targhee, Pioneer, Norchip and Aberdeen selection A68678-1 were stored at 95% relative humidity and at 1.7, 4.4, 5.8, 7.2 or...     

U.S. opportunities in China’s frozen french fry market

International trade of processed potatoes, especially frozen french fry exports, has become an important part of the US potato industry. In China, one of the world’s biggest potato producing countries, consumption of US frozen french fries has significantly increased since the late 1980’s. By employing economic theory and econometric techniques, this study evaluates China’s current frozen french fry market and predicts its future development. Export demand models are developed for US frozen french fries in Greater China (Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan). The study finds that US foreign direct investment and fast food restaurants in China have great influence on the market demand for US frozen french fries. Other variables in the model include price of US frozen french fry exports, consumer income, population, price of substitutes, and trade barriers. The study forecasts that Mainland China’s frozen fry imports will exceed Taiwan and Hong Kong after year 2000. In 2005, US frozen french fry exports will increase to 227,000 tons to China, and 454,000 tons to Greater China. Although there may be some challenges, China’s market provides opportunities for the US potato industry.