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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Madison, Wisconsin » Vegetable Crops Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #237905
Title: The Effect of Vine Kill and Harvest Date on Tuber Skin Set, Respiration Rates and Tuber Sugars

Author
item Bethke, Paul
item Busse, James

Submitted to: Potato Association of America Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/12/2009
Publication Date: 8/9/2009
Citation: Bethke, P.C., Busse, J.S. 2009. The Effect of Vine Kill and Harvest Date on Tuber Skin Set, Respiration Rates and Tuber Sugars [abstract]. Potato Association of America Proceedings. Paper No. 43.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Russet Burbank potatoes were grown using standard procedures for planting, fertilization, irrigation, and pest management. Vine kill and harvest occurred on three staggered dates that spanned approximately six weeks. Vines were either killed chemically or left untreated and tubers were harvested from vines that had not begun to senesce, from vines showing limited senescence, and from vines that had senesced completely. Tubers were harvested by hand to minimize mechanical damage. All tuber samples were stored at 55°F. Presented are data for skin set at harvest and in storage, respiration rate based on CO2 evolution from individual tubers, and tuber glucose, fructose and sucrose as determined by HPLC. We find significant differences in respirations rates and sugar profiles between treatments and with time after harvest. In particular, early vine kill treatment had significant effect on the content of tuber sugars and respiration rates. These data will be discussed in light of recommendations for maintaining processing quality of potatoes.