A histological study of hollow heart of potatoes

Summary

• 1. Hollow heart of potatoes was found to arise in a necrotic patch of cells after this had become surrounded by a cambium layer.

• 2. Though the largest hollows usually occurred in the largest tubers, early stages were found in tubers weighing as little as 1.8 gms.

• 3. The hollow heart condition was observed in the earliest harvest examined (July 24); the incidence in the first harvest was double that in the last; and treatments affected the incidence only when given early in the season. These three facts indicate that the disorder must have originated early in the season in all affected tubers.

• 4. Measurements revealed that the perimedulla cells adjacent to the edge of the hollow were larger than the pith cells adjacent to the face. This may indicate more rapid growth in the former tissue, a possible factor in hollow heart formation.

• 5. All six of the mineral elements investigated (K, Cu, Mg, Fe, Mn, Ca) occurred in higher quantities (on a dry weight basis) in the healthy than in the affected tubers. The excess in the pith compared with the perimedulla was also reduced.