Use of UV-C radiation for reducing storage losses of potato tubers

Abstract

Ultraviolet radiation in the C band to limit storage losses of potato was applied. Six edible potato varieties, viz., Lord, Vineta, Owacja, Ditta, Finezja and Tajfun were used as test materials. UV-C radiation was emitted from a 15 W radiator. The wavelength of the light used to irradiate potato tubers was 253,7 nm and the power density from 80 to 100 μW/cm2. The method of reduction of storage losses of potato tubers, based on their exposure to UV-C irradiation, can complement the presently used methods of potato crop protection during long-term storage.

Method for the Reduction of Natural Losses of Potato Tubers During their Long-Term Storage

“…The results of the conducted experiment, in which the reduction of natural losses measured after 6.5 months of storage is achieved by means of the UV-C irradiation of potato tubers before storage, were expected to be similar to the results obtained for early and medium-early varieties (Vineta and Ditta) and described by Jakubowski [55]. The tests carried out in this research and the results obtained allowed for a description of the phenomenon causing reduction of natural losses and a determination of the stage of potato storage in which the physical factor, in the form of UV-C radiation, significantly affects the tubers under exposure.…”

“…Potato tuber weight and sprout weight were determined using the AS310.R2 analytical scale (d = 0.1 mg) with the RS232 interface. Potato tubers underwent ultraviolet irradiation (Figure 1) in the C band for 900 s at a constant height of the UV-C radiator (0.7 m) above the surface of the rollers rotating at a constant speed of 25 rpm (exposure time and working parameters of the station were selected based on the results of pilot studies [55]). In order to expose potato tubers to UV-C, the custom-built stand illustrated in Figure 1 was used.…”

“…Falguera et al [54] investigated the influence of ultraviolet irradiation (UV) on some quality attributes (color, pH, soluble solids content, formol index, total phenolics, sugars, and vitamin C) and enzymatic activities (polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, and pectinolytic enzymes) of fresh apple juice. Another pilot experiment carried out by Jakubowski [55] analyzed the effect of UV-C radiation on the possible reduction of storage losses caused by transpiration and respiration of potato tubers of the following varieties: Lord, Vineta, Owacja, Ditta, Finezja, and Tajfun. It was assumed that ultraviolet radiation in the C band (253.7 nm) applied to potato tubers before storage would cause a reduction of pests present on the potato periderm.…”

Environmental impact of potato cultivation on plantations covering areas of various sizes

“…Here, in an analogous manner, the greatest impact on the natural environment is exerted by planting the tubers. Methods for the reduction of the number of seed potatoes can be sought in, for instance, their better quality and proper preparation [8,9]. One may also notice a smaller (in comparison to Group 1) burden on the environment related to transport (28.6 Pt).…”

Life cycle assessment (LCA) of potato production

“…Aside from such practices as may typically be related to cultivation, further post-harvest processing, storage, cooling and packing also significantly influence the natural environment [5,18]. Unfortunately, a great portion of yield harvested is damaged while in storage [6,7], which only makes the burden on the environment arising from cultivation pointless. The agricultural sector has been identified as one which adds to the burden on the environment to a great extent, including acidification, eutrophication, toxicity and changes of the climate [2,3].…”