Diffusivity of carbon dioxide through the skin and flesh of 'Russet Burbank' potato tubers

The diffusion coefficient of CO2 in 'Russet Burbank' potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers was determined under steady-state conditions at 10 and 27C. The data showed that the skin is the main barrier to gas diffusion, with an average diffusion coefficient of 6.57 X 10(-7) and 7.61 X 10(-7) cm.s-1 at 10 and 27C, respectively. The flesh also presents an appreciable barrier to gas diffusion. The average diffusion coefficient of CO2 in the flesh was 2.00 X 10(-4) and 2.24 X 10(-4) cm.s-1 at 10 and 27C, respectively. Under regular storage conditions, the tuber is well aerated and the concentration of O2 at the center of the tuber is sufficient to maintain aerobic respiration.