The Canon of Potato Science: 45. Brown Centre and Hollow Heart

Abstract

Brown centre (also referred to as incipient hollow heart, brown heart, or sugar centre) and hollow heart are common physiological disorders of potato. Brown centre and hollow heart are caused by similar conditions, but can occur concurrently or separately in potato tubers. No plant pathogens have been associated with brown centre or hollow heart development and seed tubers afflicted with brown centre or hollow heart commonly produce daughter tubers with no symptoms. Furthermore, tubers afflicted with brown centre or hollow heart show no external signs or symptoms on the tuber and are rarely affected by secondary pathogens. Brown centre can be described by accumulation of brown discolouration of pith tissue which is unique relative to other disorders that cause internal browning. The brown discolouration occurs as a result of cell necrosis caused by cell membrane and organelle damage. Brown centre commonly leads to development of hollow heart under conditions suitable for its development. Conversely, brown centre may not develop into hollow heart or can disappear as the potato plant recovers from conditions and stress that led to its development. Hollow heart is best described by the development of cavities in the pith of the tuber. Hollow heart can occur anywhere along the length of the tuber but always occurs in the central pith. Hollow heart does not occur at the tuber surface. Hollow heart is best described by single or multiple cavities that are traverse or run longitudinal to the pith. Cavities can be a few mm up to 2 or more cm in diameter and can run nearly the entire length of the tuber depending on the severity of the disorder. Cavities are irregularly shaped and can be in the shape of narrow slits or in the form of stars. Potato Research (2007) 50:395–398 DOI 10.1007/s11540-008-9087-0