Ethylene exposure after dormancy break is as effective as continuous ethylene to control sprout growth in some UK-grown potato cultivars.

摘要

Ethylene application can effectively extend potato storage life by suppressing sprouting incidence. An ethylene concentration of 50 l L -1 has been approved by the Chemicals Regulation Directorate (CRD) in the UK for use in potato storage, but a continuous treatment of 10 l L -1 is more commonly used by industry. Although ethylene can extend storage life, it has previously been shown to negatively affect the textural and taste characteristics of some potato cultivars. On the other hand, sprout growth also reduces the marketability of potatoes. In this study, the effect of ethylene on biochemical composition, texture and sprouting in two UK-grown potato cultivars viz., 'Marfona' and 'Sylvana' was investigated. Potato tubers were harvested and then were slowly cooled from 15 to 6掳C over a two week period. Tubers were then placed in trays and stored in the presence or absence of continuous ethylene (10 l L -1) at 6掳C at Sutton Bridge Crop Storage Research (Lincs., UK). At dormancy break (10% eye movement of tubers assessed in air at 6掳C) a sub-sample from each treatment was transferred to either ethylene or no ethylene, resulting in four treatments: continuous ethylene, continuous air, transfer from ethylene to air and vice versa. All tubers were stored for six months. Ethylene-treated tubers contained higher sucrose, glucose and fructose concentrations than untreated ones. Firmness decreased with time with all treatments in 'Marfona' tubers, but not 'Sylvana'. Sprouting incidence was affected by treatment in 'Sylvana' tubers, but not in 'Marfona' tubers. Moreover, ethylene application after dormancy break was as effective as continuous ethylene treatment for 'Sylvana' tubers only. The results suggest that ethylene applied after dormancy break can prolong storage for some UK-grown cultivars. CT XXVIII International Horticultural Congress on Science and Horticulture for People (IHC2010): International Symposium on Postharvest Technology in the Global Market, Lisbon, Portugal.