Influence of microclimatic conditions during year-long storage of ‘Impresja’ potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum L.) on the emergence, growth, physiological activity and yield of plants

Abstract

The natural lifespan of potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum L.) is influenced by several factors, including dormancy, tuber physiology, and conditions in the external environment, such as temperature, humidity, and air movement. We studied the effects of different periods of tuber storage (within 12 months) at 4 °C, followed by 14 d storage at 15–20 °C and 70–80% RH, on the germination, development, physiological activity, and yield of Impresja potato plants, as well as on the activity of catalase and N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase. The tubers stored at 4–20 °C did not germinate until the beginning of December. Storage at 4 °C until September prevented sprouting and pathogen invasion. Depending on the period of storage, the time between planting and plant emergence gradually decreased, from 51 d (December) to 10 d (March–July), and the dynamics of shoot and root growth increased. Plants from tubers stored at 4 °C until May were the fastest to emerge and grow, whereas extended storage until July–September gradually reduced plant development. Transferring the tubers at the end of all storage periods from 4 °C to conditions of 15–20 °C and 70–80% RH for 14 d accelerated the emergence and growth of shoots and roots and increased chlorophyll content, net photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance, and the yield of new tubers. This additional storage period was most beneficial for tubers stored until March–July, but its effects decreased after prolonged storage until August–September and had almost disappeared by September. Regardless of the duration of storage, the plant vegetation periods were similar, although the growth of shoots and roots depended on the storage conditions and lighting in particular months. The storage technology presented here could increase the profitability of accelerated potato production.