ARS | Publication request: REFINING TECHNIQUE AND PROTOCOL FOR SKIN-SET MEASUREMENT

Submitted to: American Journal of Potato Research
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: July 15, 1996
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Rapid skin-set development is vital in controlling scuffing/skinning damage, shrinkage, defect development and disease in stored potatoes. We are collaborating with several research, extension and industry representatives, to refine a technique and protocol (Am Potato J, 70:599-609, 1993) for measurement of skin-set development in potato tubers. Our goal is to refine and standardize measurement requirements for varietal screening, timing of harvest and evaluation of cultural practices for skin-set development. The prototype measuring device, developed by Dr. Jim Halderson, Univ of Idaho, has been modified to improve our ability to measure skin-set development of genotypes grown under various environmental conditions. There is need for added refinement before broad, "turn-key" usage is recommended. However, the basic technique is very effective for many applications. For example, we easily detected differences in skin-set development for single dose versus double dose vine killing treatments recommended to reduce tuber late blight infections. Two factors contributed to development of skin set, skin adhesion to underlying cells and skin tensile strength. Varietal differences in these factors were also measurable with out technique and protocol.