Steam sterilization to kill potato ring-rot bacteria on burlap bags

Summary

Tests were made in 1945 and 1946 to determine how much sterilization was necessary to rid burlap bags, 100-pound size, of ring-rot bacteria.

Both 10 and 40-bag lots were tested at 5 and 10-pound pressures for periods from 5 to 45 minutes. In each case a contaminated burlap cloth was placed inside each roll and after sterilization it was used to inoculate cut surfaces of Bliss Triumph potatoes. These were planted later in field plots and the subsequent plants observed for ring rot.

The results indicated that the minimum requirements for thorough sterilization of 10 and 40-sack lots are as follows: 10 bags (loosely rolled) at 5 pounds pressure—20–30 minutes. 10 bags (loosely rolled) at 10 pounds pressure—20 minutes. 40 bags (tightly rolled) at 5 pounds pressure—30 minutes. 40 bags (tightly rolled) at 10 pounds pressure—20 minutes.