Effects of S-carvone, caraway essential oil, 1,4-DMN and Aloe vera gel on the shelf life of two potato cultivars at ambient temperatures

N. Gumbo, N. Z. Ngobese, A. Oskolski, L. S. Magwaza

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Sprout control is critical for successful potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) storage management. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of selected sprout suppressants on the shelf life of the potato cultivars ‘Mondial’ and ‘Panamera’. Sprout-free potatoes were exposed to S-carvone, caraway essential oil or 1,4-dimethylnaphthalene (1,4-DMN) fumes or dipped in 25% Aloe vera gel. The efficacy of the sprout suppressants in reference to the control (no sprout suppressant applied) was monitored over 10 weeks of storage at ambient temperatures (25±1°C). The percentage of potatoes sprouting, number of sprouts per potato, weight loss, length and thickness of sprouts as well as the anatomical features of the resulting sprouts were assessed. Results showed that treatments differed significantly (p<0.05) in their efficacy in the following order: caraway > S-carvone > Aloe vera gel > 1,4-DMN. Caraway reached 100% sprouting with only a 5 and <40% weight loss in 10 weeks while the control sprouted in half the time to reach 100% with a >60% weight loss. Anatomical assessments revealed the formation of necrotic tissues in the meristematic zone of sprouts suggesting the inhibition of sprouting through the induction of meristematic tissue necrosis that was associated with treatments. Future studies are recommended to test the efficacy of the treatments under different storage conditions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)467-474
Number of pages8
JournalActa Horticulturae
Volume1364
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2023

Keywords

  • export
  • packhouse
  • potato storage
  • sprout inhibitor
  • vegetable storage

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Horticulture

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