Storability of different sizes of potato tubers under natural condition

Abstract

Abstract : An investigation was conducted at the Tuber Crops Research Sub Centre of BARI, Munshiganj to study the storability of different sizes of potato varieties under natural condition. Large, medium, and small sized tubers of 15 potato varieties viz., Asterix, BARI TPS-1, Cardinal, Courage, Diamant, Esprit, Felsina, Granola, Lady Rosetta, Provento, Meridian, Quincy, Sagitta, Spunta, and Omega were included in the investigation. Results revealed that cumulative weight loss was higher in small sized tubers (<28 mm) compared to that of large (>55 mm) and medium (28-55 mm) sized tubers during 120 days of storage (DAS). Sprout initiation and shriveling also started earlier in small sized tubers irrespective of varieties. Therefore, small tubers were not suitable for storing under natural condition. Cumulative weight and rotting loss were recorded higher in the variety BARI TPS-1 and Felsina compared to that of other varieties, which indicated the unsuitability of storing these two varieties under natural condition. On an average, 18.49% cumulative weight loss at 150 DAS was recorded in all the varieties irrespective of size. Large and medium sized potato could be stored under natural condition for 150 days with 7.63% total rotting loss.