Measurement of potato tubers resistance against mechanical loading

Abstract

The contribution presents a method for the determination of the potato tubers resistance against mechanical loading, the measurement results obtained with the selected potato varieties, and the comparison of the latter. For testing the potato varieties samples, the method developed in Agrartechnik (ATB) Bornim (Germany) was verified and utilised. The potato samples were exposed to vertical vibrations with adjustable amplitude in the device constructed at the Research Institute of Agricultural Engineering, (RIAE) Prague, for testing tuber samples for mechanical loading. The potato samples cutting pictures were scanned by a web camera or a scanner, and the colour changes on the cuttings were evaluated by means of a computer program. In the paper are presented the results of two different measurements. Significant differences were found between four varieties regarding their resistance against equal mechanical load, and in one variety in different degrees of mechanical load for both early and late potatoes.