Work

Interactive effects of gamma radiation and salicylic acid on sprout inhibition of two processing potato varieties

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Potato sprouting during storage leads to significant postharvest losses and deterioration in processing quality. This study evaluated the interactive effects of pre-harvest salicylic acid application and post-harvest γ-irradiation on sprout inhibition and storage quality of two processing potato varieties (Diamant and Sinora). Potato tubers were treated with salicylic acid (4000 ppm) in the field and exposed post-harvest to γ-radiation at a dose of 0.10 kGy using a Cobalt-60 source. Tubers were stored for 6 months at 10 °C and 73–78% relative humidity. Storage quality was evaluated by measuring sprout length, fresh weight loss, dry matter content, reducing sugars, and chip yield. Results showed that γ-irradiation alone effectively suppressed sprout growth and reduced weight loss throughout the storage period. The combined treatment of salicylic acid and irradiation also significantly inhibited sprouting and moderated sugar accumulation. Dry matter content and chip yield were not adversely affected by the treatments. Among the tested cultivars, Diamant showed better processing suitability after six months of storage. These findings demonstrate that low-dose γ-irradiation represents an effective postharvest strategy for sprout control and quality preservation of processing potatoes during long-term storage.

Source: Journal of Radiation Research and Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.1016/j.jrras.2026.102453

Authors: Hind A.A. Elbashir, Lubna Alnaim, Nissren Tamam, Abdelmoneim Sulieman