Summary
The effect of high tuber temperature (30 °C) on the growth rate and carbohydrate metabolism of tubers was studied with 3 cultivars differing in heat tolerance. Subjecting individual tubers to 30°C for 6 days caused cessation of tuber growth. During this period, non-treated tubers (20°C) on the same plant increased in volume. At 30°C, incorporation of14C-labelled assimilates into the ethanol-insoluble fraction (mainly starch) as well as the starch content was significantly reduced. In contrast, the incorporation of14C-labelled assimilates into the sugar fraction was not affected by high tuber temperature. At 30°C the activity of some of the enzymes involved in starch metabolism was depressed. Varietal differences in responses of tuber growth rate and carbohydrate metabolism to high tuber temperature were insignificant. From these preliminary results it is concluded that high soil temperatures may decrease starch content of potato tubers directly by inhibition of the conversion of sugars into starch.
Article PDF
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Iritani, W. M. & L. Weller, 1973. The development of translucent end tubers.American Potato Journal 50: 223–233.
Krauss, A., 1978a. Endogenous regulation mechanisms in tuberization of potato plants in relation to environmental conditions. Abstracts 7th Triennial Conference EAPR (Warsaw, Poland, 1978), p. 45–48.
Krauss, A., 1978b. Tuberization and abscisic acid content inSolanum tuberosum as affected by nitrogen nutrition.Potato Research 21: 183–193.
Krauss, A. & H. Marschner, 1976. Einfluss von Stickstoffernährung und Wuchstoffapplikation auf die Knolleninduktion bei Kartoffelpflanzen.Zeitschrift für Pflanzenernährung und Bodenkunde 139: 143–155.
Lugt, C., 1960. Second growth phenomena.European Potato Journal 3: 307–325.
Mares, D. J. & H. Marschner, 1980. Assimilate conversion in potato tubers in relation to starch deposition and cell growth.Berichte der Deutschen Botanischen Gesellschaft 93: 299–313.
Mares, D. J., H. Marschner & A. Krauss, 1981. Effect of gibberellic acid on growth and carbohydrate metabolism of developing tubers of potato (Solanum tuberosum).Physiologia Plantarum 52: 267–274.
Marinus, J. & K. B. Bodlaender, 1975. Response of some potato varieties to temperature.Potato Research 18: 189–204.
Nakaseko, K., K. Yoshida & M. Yoshida, 1970. Physico-ecological studies in potatoes. IV. Influence of soil temperature on growth and yield.Memoirs of the Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University 7: 278–293.
Nielson, L. W. & W. C. Sparks, 1953. Bottleneck tubers and jelly-end rot in the Russet Burbank potato. Research Bulletin, 23.10.1953. University of Idaho, p. 1–24.
Randeni, G. R. J., 1980. Der Einfluss der Wurzeltemperatur auf die Entwicklung und Substanzbildung der Kartoffelpflanze (Solanum tuberosum L.). Dissertation Technische Universität Berlin, D 83 Nr. 104.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Krauss, A., Marschner, H. Growth rate and carbohydrate metabolism of potato tubers exposed to high temperatures. Potato Res 27, 297–303 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02357638
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02357638