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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Crop Bioprotection Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #252411
Title: The effect of sprout and disease control products on disease development and weight loss

Author
item OLSEN, NORA - University Of Idaho
item FRAZIER, MARY JO - University Of Idaho
item WOODELL, LYNN - University Of Idaho
item Slininger, Patricia - Pat
item Schisler, David

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/19/2010
Publication Date: 2/1/2011
Citation: Olsen, N., Frazier, M., Woodell, L., Slininger, P.J., Schisler, D.A. 2011. The effect of sprout and disease control products on disease development and weight loss [abstract]. Potato Association of America. 88:59.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The potato industry utilizes various sprout and disease control products prior to storage and/or packing. Some of these products have not been tested for interference of wound healing and whether effects observed equate to greater disease development or weight loss. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of spray applications of sprout inhibitor (chlorpropham or clove oil) and disease control products (hydrogen peroxide/peroxyacetic acid, phosphorous acid, or bio-control agents) on Fusarium sambucinum inoculated whole tubers and cut tubers ("bag test") for dry rot disease development. Wounded and non-inoculated whole tubers were treated and evaluated for weight loss in storage at 7°C after 3 months. The study was performed on new (1 month after harvest) and older (5 months of storage) potatoes and in 2 consecutive years. The "bag test" indicated differences in disease development due to tuber age and application of sprout control product. The incidence of dry rot increased in the whole tuber test with an application of chlorpropham when compared to the water treated control. Limited differences in dry rot development were observed between disease control products in the "bag test" and whole tuber test. Differences in weight loss were observed between treatments. Results from this study indicate that applying a sprout inhibitor product directly to wounded potatoes may increase dry rot disease development over time in the retail market chain. In this study, limited adverse effects were associated with the application of disease control products either prior to storage or during packing.