Development of mould on the cut surfaces of potato tubers

Abstract

1. Cut potato tissue possesses strong inherent powers of healing which are impaired by treatment with salts of copper, cobalt, nickel and iron. Treatment is followed by mould growth, particularly by Penicillium spp., this being most profuse with copper salts and least with those of iron.2. Association between mould growth and treatment with salts of copper, cobalt, nickel and iron suggests a periodic relationship.3. Development of Penicillium on potato tissues following treatment with salts of copper is greater than may be explained solely on the basis of saprophytic growth following phytocidal action and. the prevention of suberization.4. Under moist conditions, treatment of nonliving substrata such as straw, leather and skin with copper sulphate tends to prevent mould growth whilst considerable growth develops on these materials when untreated.