The influence of storage on the physiology and productivity of Kennebec seed potatoes

Kennebec seed potatoes were stored in various atmospheres of O₂ and CO₂ at 32 and 41 F (0 and 5 C). Samples were removed every 6 weeks for measurement of bud and parenchyma tissue respiration, rate of ion loss from tissue sections and reducing sugar content. Potatoes remaining at the end of the storage period were warmed, cut and planted immediately in a randomized complete block design for yield evaluation. Intact tuber respiratory rates were higher at 32 F than 41 F. Increasing CO₂ increased respiratory rates and decreasing O₂ decreased respiratory rates at both temperatures. Decreasing O₂ concentration significantly decreased reducing sugar at both 32 and 41 F. Increasing CO₂ significantly increased reducing sugar at 41 F but not at 32 F. Kennebec potatoes did not tolerate added CO₂ at 32 F but did survive 4% CO₂ at 41 F. Reducing oxygen decreased the tolerance to CO₂. The onset of carbon dioxide injury was not clearly evident from changes in bud and parenchyma tissue respiration or in loss of electrolytes from cut tissue sections. However, CO₂ accelerated tuber breakdown by unidentifiedFusarium Spp. No significant differences in yield were observed between treatments that survived the storage period.