EFFECTS OF MEFLUIDIDE ON PERIDERM DEVELOPMENT AND STORAGE OF RUSSET BURBANK AND NORCHIP POTATOES

Abstract

The effects of preharvest, foliar applications of mefluidide (N-(2,4-dimethyl-5-(((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)amino)phenyl)-acetamide) to potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) plants on subsequent periderm development and on storage quality of Russet Burbank and Norchip tubers were investigated. Mefluidide application caused adnormal periderm development in tubers of both cultivars and resulted in increased tuber weight loss during storage due to enhanced water loss rather than to elevated respiration. Treatment with mefluidide 5 wk before harvest resulted in greater tuber weight loss in storage than treatment 7 wk before harvest. After ca. 26 wk storage, sucrose content generally increased in tubers from treated Russet Burbank plants but not in corresponding Norchip tubers. Despite a perceived periderm enhancement, the abnormal periderm development which increased water loss in stored tubers would suggest that mefluidide has little potential as a preharvest treatment to reduce tuber damage and improve storage of Russet Burbank and Norchip potatoes.Key words: Potato, mefluidide, storage, Russet Burbank, Norchip, periderm