Co-Authors:
Ginzberg, I., Department of Genetics and Vegetable Crops, ARO, Volcani Center, Bet-Dagan 50250, Israel
Gerchikov, N., Department of Genetics and Vegetable Crops, ARO, Volcani Center, Bet-Dagan 50250, Israel
Ziv, E., Department of Genetics and Vegetable Crops, ARO, Volcani Center, Bet-Dagan 50250, Israel
Fogelman, E., Department of Genetics and Vegetable Crops, ARO, Volcani Center, Bet-Dagan 50250, Israel
Tanami, Z., Department of Genetics and Vegetable Crops, ARO, Volcani Center, Bet-Dagan 50250, Israel
Warshavsky, S., Department of Research and Development, Hevel Maon Enterprises, Negev 85465, Israel
Abstract:
The hot climate in Israel affects the appearance of the skin of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers. In order to improve skin quality we are attempting to identify the factors/genes controlling skin development and skin-set processes, using histological, physiological and molecular biology techniques. In the current study, stages in skin development and heat-induced modifications in skin morphology were observed using histological techniques. Various vine-killing protocols to hasten the skin-set process and shorten the exposure time of the tubers to the hot soil are also being studied. A combination of mechanical destruction of the haulm with application of a chemical desiccant was found to enhance skin-set.