Effect of the mineral nutrition of potato plants on the biochemistry and the physiology of the tubers.

Abstract

The effects of N, P and K nutrition on the amino-acid composition of tubers was studied. The composition of the soluble non-protein N was much affected by the mineral nutrition, whereas the protein composition remained fixed. Stem-end blackening of tubers and bluish-green coloration after boiling were found to be due to inadequate K-supply, which was correlated with a high tyrosine content, susceptibility to injury and increased respiration rate. Change in concentration of N, P, Mg or Gu had much less effect on this rate. Bruising stimulated the respiration of healthy cells. -J.F.C. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)