Vol. 126 (2013): Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society
Handling & Processing

Postharvest Quality of Tablestock Potatoes in Response to Drip Irrigation and Harvest Time

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  • Mildred N Makani,
  • Steven A Sargent,
  • Lincoln Zotarelli,
  • Joel Reyes-Cabrera
Mildred N Makani
University of Florida, Horticultural Sciences Department, P.O. Box 110690, Gainesville, FL 32611
Steven A Sargent
University of Florida, Horticultural Sciences Department, P.O. Box 110690, Gainesville, FL 32611
Lincoln Zotarelli
University of Florida, Horticultural Sciences Department, P.O. Box 110690, Gainesville, FL 32611
Joel Reyes-Cabrera
University of Florida, Horticultural Sciences Department, P.O. Box 110690, Gainesville, FL 32611

Published 2013-12-01

Keywords

  • Solanum tuberosumL.,
  • new potatoes,
  • irrigation method,
  • storage,
  • bioyield,
  • ascorbic acid,
  • dry matter content,
  • fresh weight
    • ...More
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Abstract

Effect of irrigation method and harvest time on quality and storability of potato tubers was evaluated. ‘Fabula’, a tan-skinned, yellow-fleshed tablestock variety, was irrigated using surface drip (SD), sub-surface drip (Sub-SD), or seepage (SP) irrigation. Tubers were harvested 1, 2, and 3 weeks after vine kill (H1, H2, and H3), and then stored for 14 d at 10 °C and 90% to 95% relative humidty. Similar total yields of 26,104 kg·ha–1and 26,983 kg·ha–1 were obtained for SP and SD, respectively, while yields were lower for Sub-SD (18,918 kg·ha
–1). Changes in tuber fresh weight, dry matter content, bioyield, and ascorbic acid content were evaluated each 7 d during storage. An interaction of irrigation method and storage time had an effect on dry matter content of tubers harvested 1 week after vine kill (H1). However, no significant differences in tuber storage quality were observed at the other two harvest times. The results indicated that comparable tuber yield and quality can be obtained for SP and SD irrigated ‘Fabula’ plants. This is especially true when tubers are harvested 2 to 3 weeks after vine kill.

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