Research Review: Senescent Sweetening of Potatoes

Abstract

Aim: To review currently available information in order to identify the research required to improve understanding of the factors controlling the rate of senescence, and amelioration of the condition during storage. Industry Challenge Prolonged storage of potatoes leads to a form of sugar accumulation termed ‘senescent sweetening’ that is generally associated with a loss of cell membrane integrity within the tuber over time. Although some information is available regarding the nature and causes of senescent sweetening, a greater understanding about the factors controlling the rate of senescence and how to ameliorate the condition during storage would be extremely beneficial to the GB potato industry. Collaboration Natural Resources Institute (NRI) and Sutton Bridge Crop Storage Research (SBCSR) Approach The main topics of this review to be covered are: - The nature of tuber senescence - Factors affecting the rate of tuber senescence - Indicators of tuber maturity - Potential early indicators of the onset of senescence and associated sweetenin