What Causes Black Heart in Potatoes? Latest Prevention Measures Explained in Detail
The potato is an important staple crop in the world, and its planting area is also gradually increasing. It has a very high utilization rate, can be made into many kinds of food, and is resistant to storage, highly adaptable, and suitable for cultivation in many regions. However, during the growth or storage period, potatoes can develop the problem of black heart. What causes this? Let's find out together.
I. Causes of Black Heart in Potatoes
There are mainly two types of black heart in potatoes: one is pathological black heart, and the other is physiological black heart. The appearance of black heart in potatoes has a very serious impact on quality, causing tuber rot and loss of commercial value.
1. Pathological black heart
This kind of black heart is caused by blackleg disease. When the disease occurs, the potato plant shows obvious stunting symptoms, and also appears stiff and with yellowing leaves. The leaflets on the plant curl noticeably upward; in the later stage of the disease, the stem turns black and rots, and the plant dies. The diseased tubers first begin to rot and turn black from the stolon area, and then develop inward, resulting in black heart. In a high-humidity environment, it is more susceptible. After the disease occurs, it rots very quickly and also has a very foul smell. Pathological black heart can occur during both the growing period and the storage period.
2. Physiological black heart
The black heart that causes this phenomenon mainly occurs during storage, or is formed during transportation. The main cause is lack of oxygen. The tubers cannot get sufficient oxygen, resulting in black heart. The main symptoms occur inside the tuber, and are difficult to find from the outer skin. Only after cutting it open can it be found that black heart has already formed in the center. The surface of the skin will appear hard and dehydrated, and both glossiness and smoothness will noticeably decrease. The outside is not prone to rotting, and there is no particular off-odor. In severe cases, it will spread to the outer bud points.
II. Prevention Measures
1. Pathological black heart
For black heart caused by blackleg disease, start from the source and strictly select seed tubers. Diseased potatoes should be strictly screened out to minimize the occurrence of blackleg disease. If a knife accidentally cuts a diseased tuber, in addition to destroying the diseased tuber, the knife must also be disinfected promptly to avoid cross-infection. Choosing varieties with strong disease resistance can also reduce the occurrence of the disease. During the planting period, if diseased plants are found, pull them out and destroy them promptly. In addition, blackleg disease is prone to breeding in the rainy season, so drainage during the rainy season must be done well.
2. Physiological black heart
For black heart caused by physiological factors, adjust the storage environment promptly, avoid piling too high or too thick, and choose a cool, well-ventilated, and low-temperature environment for storage. This is because physiological black heart can only be avoided when the air is well circulating and the temperature is suitable. Especially when bagging, try not to use airtight plastic bags. Once the oxygen deprivation lasts too long, it is very easy to cause black heart in potatoes.
The above is an introduction to the causes of black heart in potatoes and prevention measures. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.