Effect of Rindite on storage behavior, dormancy break and sprout growth of potato microtubers (cv. Desiree)

Freshly harvested microtubers produced by Wye and CIP methods were treated with Rindite and then stored at 6 C under continuous light or in dark. After 12 weeks, storage behavior, dormancy break and subsequent sprout growth were assessed. Increased period of Rindite treatment and storage in light caused significant weight loss of microtubers. Greater weight loss was recorded from International Potato Center (CIP) microtubers and those stored in the light versus in the dark. Wye microtubers treated with Rindite for 48 hours and stored under light tended to have more microtubers with 2 or 3 sprouts per microtuber than single sprouts. Fresh weight of sprouts was also greater in Wye microtubers when treated with Rindite for 48 hours and stored under light. Longest sprout length increased with increased duration of Rindite treatment.