Germination inhibition for quality assurance for table potatoes, refinement potatoes and also seed potatoes

摘要

After harvest, potato tubers remain dormant for up to 10 weeks depending on the variety and seasonal weather conditions during the growth period. For example the varieties Agria, Bolero and Panda showed the lowest likelihood of germination compared to the varieties Atica, Nora and Premiere with high germination rates. For around 200 potato varieties, germination propensities ranging from 1 (very low) to 7 (high) are presented in a table. Three different possibilities to artificially inhibit germination with chemical measures are described. Powder based agents for dusting and liquids for spraying are used during the process of putting the tubers in storage, whereas hot steam based agents can also be applied once the potatoes are in storage. Twelve approved germination inhibition agents are presented in a table and their applications discussed. All but one of them are based on the active component Chlorpropham. The only approved agent for organic agriculture, MitoBAR, is based on extracts of peppermint but did not perform very well in comparison trials with the Chlorpropham based agents. However, a caraway based agent, Talent, performed better and is expected to be approved in 2008.