Relationship between Changes in Potato Epidermis Physical Properties due to Soil Moisture and Bruise Incidence.

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a technique to decrease potato bruising. The physical properties of the tuber epidermis are considered to be associated with bruise resistance. The effect of bruising on moistened tubers was investigated in volcanic ash soil. Initially, the bruising test was performed using a potato harvester. The number of bruised tubers was lower in irrigation plots that were adjusted to a soil water content of 31％ or higher. Subsequently, in a laboratory bruising test, bruising was observed under all conditions, except when the test impact strength was weak and when a variety with high bruising resistance was used. We conclude that high soil water content affected the physical properties of the tuber epidermis, reducing potato bruising.