Effect of Low Oxygen Storage on Sweet Potato Roots1

Cured sweet potatoes [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] were stored successfully at 15.6°C and 90% RH for up to a year without sprouting. Contribution of respiration and transpiration to total weight loss was determined during curing and storage in 6 cultivars. Respiration rate was highest the day of harvest, decreased during curing, and continued to decrease at a slower rate during the first several months of storage, whereafter it remained constant (except for slight increases during the last several months in 2 cultivars). Respiration contributed more to total weight loss during the latter periods of storage than during curing or the first months in storage. Transpiration, however, was the major source of weight loss. The highest rate of weight loss occurred during curing, followed by a gradual rate of loss during storage. Total weight loss of cured roots after 50 weeks of storage ranged from 6.7% (‘Rojo Blanco’) to 16.1% (‘Travis’).

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 90%

mentioning

confidence: 89%

Weight Loss in Sweet Potatoes During Curing and Storage: Contribution of Transpiration and Respiration

Picha

1986

“…Elevated C 0 2 production rates during curing and during subsequent air storage were undoubtedly due in part to the decay (Table 1). Chang and Kays (1981) reported lower C 0 2 production after 7 days of exposure to 5% to 15% 0 2 at 25C, but higher rates in 2.5% 0 2 than in air for 'Jewel' sweet potato. Mattus and Hassan (1968) reported occurrence of alcoholic and off-flavors in sweet potatoes stored in 0 2 levels below 7%, but storage temperature and duration were not reported.…”

Section: Sdmentioning

confidence: 91%

Quality of Tropical Sweet Potatoes Exposed to Controlled-atmosphere Treatments for Postharvest Insect Control

Delate

Brecht

1989

Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas L.) were exposed to low O2 and high CO2 for 1 week during curing or subsequent storage to evaluate the use of controlled atmospheres (CA) as insecticidal treatments for sweet potatoes infested with sweet potato weevil (Cylas formicarius elegantulus). Sweet potato roots tolerated 8% O2 during curing, but, when exposed to 2% or 4% O2 or to 60% CO2 plus 21% or 8% O2, they were unsalable within 1 week after curing, mainly due to decay. Exposure of cured sweet potatoes to 2% or 4% O2 plus 40% CO2 or 4% O2 plus 60% CO2 for 1 week at 25C had little effect on postharvest quality. However, exposure to 2% O2 plus 60% CO2 resulted in increased decay, less sweet potato flavor, and more off-flavor. These results indicate that exposure of sweet potatoes to O2 and CO2 levels required for insect control is not feasible during curing, but that cured sweet potatoes are capable of tolerating CA treatments that have potential as quarantine procedures.

“…Starch is the major storage compound in the storage root of the sweet potato (11). In the cultivar Red Jewel, it accounts for 27% of the storage root dry weight (3). At the histological level, starch is located in storage parenchyma cells.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Assimilation Patterns of [14C]-Photosynthate in Developing Sweet Potato Storage Roots1

Chua

Kays

1982

Self Cite

Patterns of deposition of [14C]-photosynthate in the storage roots of Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. at 3 stages of development (44, 74, 105 days from planting) were distinct for each labeling period. [14C] initially accumulates in the vascular cambial region after labeling (24 hours); however, all areas of the storage root show discernable activity. Label in this region is lost with time probably through cell division with the majority of the label ending up in bundle parenchyma. Deposition of [14C]-photosynthate appears to occur for more than 24 hours reflecting either continued transport from aerial portions of the plant or redistribution within the root. Roots labeled early in their development do not have a uniform distribution of [14C] in the central stele, possibly due to later development of anomalous cambium. [14C] in the cortical region does not appear to be redistributed inward during subsequent growth of the root. [14C] deposited early in the development of the storage root was concentrated at the distal end with longitudinal bulking proceeding toward the proximal end. Invaginations along the surface of the root giving a furrowed appearance appear to be due to differential rates of activity of the vascular cambium in those regions.