Ethylene Exposure After Dormancy Break is as Effective in Controlling Sprout Growth as Continuous Ethylene for Some UK-Grown Potato Cultivars

Ethylene application can effectively extend potato storage life by suppressing sprouting incidence. An ethylene concentration of 50 ?L?L-1 (57.5 mg?m-3) 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 slowly cooled from 15?C to 6?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?C at Sutton Bridge Experimental Unit (Lincs., UK). At dormancy break (10% eye movement of tubers assessed in air at 6?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 tubers cv. Marfona, but not cv. Sylvana. Sprouting incidence was affected by treatment in tubers cv. Sylvana, but not in cv. tubers Marfona. Moreover, ethylene application after dormancy break was as effective as continuous ethylene treatment for cv. Sylvana tubers only. The results suggest that ethylene applied after dormancy break can prolong storage for some UK-grown varieties. Full list of authors and sources:Foukaraki, S. G.; Chope, G. A.; Terry, L. A.Plant Science Laboratory, Cranfield University,Bedfordshire, MK43 0AL, United KingdomInternational Horticulture Congress, Lisboa 2010, ISHS The picture is by enciclopedia.us.es