ISHS Acta Horticulturae 143: VIII African Symposium on Horticultural Crops
THE EFFECT OF METHYL BROMIDE FUMIGATION ON STORED POTATOES |
| Authors: | M.K. Ahmed, G.A. El Zorgani |
| Abstract:
The effect of methyl bromide fumigation on potato tubers at three dosage rates (18, 36 and 72 oz/cu. ft.) and three exposure periods (24 hrs, 72 hrs, 7 days) and at two temperatures (7 – 10 °C, 30 – 35 °C) was studied, methyl bromide fumigation at dosage as high as 72 oz/1000 cu. ft. and exposure periods as long as 7 days was found to be tolerated by tubers stored at 7 – 10 °C. At storage temperatures of 30 – 35 °C methyl bromide was found to be highly injurious to potato tubers at doses as low as 18 oz/1000 cu. ft. and exposure periods as short as 24 hrs. Injured potato tubers showed external and internal blackening, softening and were producing bad odour. Potato tubers kept at room temperature without fumigation can store for short periods (7 days) without significant losses. It is concluded that storage temperature during fumigation with methyl bromide is the most critical factor causing damage of the tubers. | |
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