On the Relation of Wound Condition to Soft Rot of Sweet Potato

Abstract

The cut surfaces of sweet potatoes were subjected to various treatments and inoculated with Rhizopus nigricans EHRB. After 10 days' storage, notes were taken of the soft-rotten potatoes. The results show that wounded potatoes were liable to soft rot. The percentage of rot was particularly high when the cut surface of the potatoes is treated with alcohol, exposed in the sun, or injured by contusion. The reason for the susceptibility of these potatoes may be attributed to the reduction of physiological vigor and delay of wound periderm formation in the tissue beneath the cut surface. It will be seen from the results graphed in Fig. 1. that there was less rot of potatoes placed in a moist chamber before or after inoculation than the potatoes placed in a dry chamber. In a higher humidity, the tissue of cut surface would be expected to be vigorous, and the suberization proceeds more rapidly.