Influence of growth regulators on skin colour and scab diseases of red-skinned potatoes

A uniform dark red skin colour is desirable in table potatoes; however, the colour of the popular red-skinned cultivar Norland is variable and tends to fade during storage. This study evaluated the potential to enhance skin colour of red potatoes by foliar application of the auxin-type herbicide 2,4-D or long-lasting analogs of the naturally occuring hormone abscisic acid (ABA). In field trials conducted from 2007 to 2009, the plant growth regulators (PGR) were applied to the foliage of Norland and AC Peregrine Red (a new dark red variety) potato plants when the crop was at the tuber set stage. Although the 2,4-D treatments altered the appearance of the foliage they had no consistent impact on yields or tuber shape, but did reduce the average tuber size. Objective and subjective assessments indicated that the 2,4-D treatments altered the skin colour of the tubers both immediately after harvest and after extended cold storage. The degree and nature of the colour change was somewhat dependent on the year, the rate of 2,4-D applied and the cultivar. The change in tuber appearance arising from the 2,4-D treatments was not always considered desirable by consumer panellists. The 2,4-D treatments also reduced tuber damage by common scab (Streptomyces scabies), but tended to increase grade out to powdery scab (Spongospora subterranea). The ABA analogs had no consistent impact on yields, skin colour or disease reaction. Key words: 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, abscisic acid, common scab, powdery scab, Streptomyces scabies, Spongospora subterranea