Author
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Suttle, Jeffrey |
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Submitted to: Valley Potato Grower Magazine
Publication Type: Trade Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 4/18/2005 Publication Date: 6/1/2005 Citation: Suttle, J.C. Plant hormone analogs as novel sprout-control agents. Valley Potato Grower Magazine. 70(159) 20-21. Interpretive Summary: Control of tuber sprouting is an important component of successful potato storage management. In the U.S., most storage managers rely on synthetic sprout suppressants to control unwanted sprouting. Conversely, seed potato growers require safe and effective methods to prematurely terminate tuber dormancy and stimulate stand establishment. Current methods/chemicals to modify sprout growth are limited and often exhibit poor performance. New, safer chemicals are needed by the potato industry for use in storage management. Metabolically stable plant hormone analogs and inhibitors offer potential as novel sprout control agents. In this report, the results of preliminary studies on the effects of several hormone analogs on sprout growth are described. Natural and synthetic auxins inhibit sprout growth from non-dormant Russet Burbank tubers. The sprout-inhibiting action of a natural auxin is ephemeral while the effects of synthetic auxins persist for at least 1 month after treatment. Both the natural hormone abscisic acid and and a synthetic derivative inhibit sprout growth for up to 25 days after treatment. Synthetic cytokinins stimulate sprout growth from dormant tubers in a dose-dependent manner. The activities of the most potent cytokinins are similar to those of currently used chemicals with known human toxicity potential. These results suggest that hormone analogs offer promise as novel sprout control agents with potential commercial utility. Technical Abstract: Control of tuber sprouting is an important component of successful potato storage management. In the U.S., most storage managers rely on synthetic sprout suppressants to control unwanted sprouting. Conversely, seed potato growers require safe and effective methods to prematurely terminate tuber dormancy and stimulate stand establishment. Current methods/chemicals to modify sprout growth are limited and often exhibit poor performance. New, safer chemicals are needed by the potato industry for use in storage management. Metabolically stable plant hormone analogs and inhibitors offer potential as novel sprout control agents. In this report, the results of preliminary studies on the effects of several hormone analogs on sprout growth are described. Natural and synthetic auxins inhibit sprout growth from non-dormant Russet Burbank tubers. The sprout-inhibiting action of a natural auxin is ephemeral while the effects of synthetic auxins persist for at least 1 month after treatment. Both the natural hormone abscisic acid and and a synthetic derivative inhibit sprout growth for up to 25 days after treatment. Synthetic cytokinins stimulate sprout growth from dormant tubers in a dose-dependent manner. The activities of the most potent cytokinins are similar to those of currently used chemicals with known human toxicity potential. These results suggest that hormone analogs offer promise as novel sprout control agents with potential commercial utility. |
