Reducing Incidence of Soft Rots in Potatoes
Warm weather bacterial diseases such as Pectobacterium spp rot tubers in storage
Calcium reduces the severity of infections
Evidence shows that strengthening the tuber cell wall with calcium can help reduce the severity of soft rot in storage.
This study shows the relationship between calcium availability, peel calcium content and weight loss caused by Pectobacterium soft rot.
High levels of calcium in the tuber also reduce bruising risks at harvest and subsequent transportation. Varieties vary in their calcium uptake, however, using calcium nitrate rather than ammonium nitrate maximizes calcium uptake, reduces the risk of damage allowing ingress of disease.
This trial from the USA shows that the use of calcium nitrate rather than ammonium nitrate resulted in higher levels of calcium in tubers over a range of different varieties.
Boron improves tuber storage quality
Alongside potassium, calcium and magnesium, boron is an important element present in the cell wall. Here it acts as cement between pectins, providing cohesive strength for cell tissues. Therefore, boron affects tuber storage quality characteristics. Boron also affects calcium absorption, so supplies are important to ensure balanced nutrition.
This trial shows how boron influences the calcium content of tubers and so also the incidence of internal rust spot.
Other crop management practices reducing potato soft rots
- Harvesting early, thereby minimizing late disease infestation or tuber deterioration
- Taking care during harvest and grading to reduce physical damage and bruising
- Disinfecting seed storage areas to reduce disease carry over
- Harvesting in good conditions to avoid physical damage and disease infestation
- Using storage treatments (e.g. fungicides) to reduce tuber disease build-up
- Controlling temperatures and humidity in storage
