The effect of antibacterial products on bacterial soft rot of potatoes

Abstract

To test antibacterial products for their ability to prevent soft rot they were applied to potatoes which were then incubated either in an atmosphere containing <1% O2 in N2 or in polythene bags. The following products, applied as dips, reduced the incidence of soft rot of tubers incubated in <1% O2 in N2: 8-hydroxyquinoline, 1.5–3.0 g l1; Anthium Dioxcide, equivalent to ClO2 1.0–2.0 g l1 in a stabilized form; chlorine dioxide, 1.0–1.5 g l1; virginiamycin, 0.5–2.0 g l−1. Acetaldehyde vapour, 30 ml. l1, applied for 4 h, was also effective. Ten other products were ineffective; a further five compounds were effective but the concentrations required were injurious to tubers. Anthium Dioxcide or chlorine dioxide at one tenth of the above concentrations reduced the incidence of rots in tubers stored in polythene bags. Addition of sodium benzoate solution to peat used in packs of potatoes reduced the incidence of rots but caused slight discolouration.