Post-harvest decay of second growth-induced glassy tubers of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cv. Bintje in relation to their specific gravity

Summary After the induction of second growth, tubers may develop physiological rot following complete starch depletion. Tubers from two crops were graded into specific gravity classes after harvest and the development of decay was monitored during storage for 9 weeks. Most decay took place within the first 5 weeks. Tubers with a specific gravity<1.010 usually decayed completely. About 80% of tubers with a specific gravity>1.020 remained intact. In the specific gravity class 1.010–1.020 more than 50% of the tubers were affected, but they did not all decay completely.