The effect of temperature and relative humidity on wound healing and infection of potato tubers byAlternaria solani

Under environmental conditions favorable for wound healing, potato tubers became significantly (P = 0.05) more resistant toA. solani infection during a two-day interval between wounding and inoculation. This period coincided with the time required for wounded tubers to completely seal wounded surfaces by suberization at 15.6°C/98% RH. Suberization of the wounded surfaces provided tubers significant (P = 0.05) protection againstA. solani invasion but wound periderm development was also essential for total exclusion of the pathogen. Wound healing takes place faster at high temperatures and relative humidities. The effect of temperature is more critical in the wound healing process.