The effects of root zone temperature on plant development and the occurrence of hollow heart and brown streak necrosis in the potato

Abstract

The potato is considered to be one of the world's most important vegetables with increased production occurring in many countries. In Canada there are approximately 114,770 hectares devoted to potato production, 22,865 hectares of which are in the three Western provinces. It is this latter area which is most seriously affected by hollow heart, a physiological disorder which has caused great economic losses to potato growers during certain years. It is not known what factor or factors are responsible for hollow heart occurrence. Since 1973 the Department of Horticulture Science at the University of Saskatchewan has conducted fertilizer trials in the field and greenhouse, as well as soil temperature studies in the greenhouse, to elucidate possible causes of hollow heart. The present experiments are a continuation of the effects of soil temperature on this disorder.