%0 Journal Article
%A Cary, John W.
%D 1986
%F nwisrl:471
%J American Potato Journal
%P 619-628
%T Effects of Relative Humidity, Oxygen, and Carbon Dioxide on Initiation and Early Development of Stolons and Tubers
%U https://eprints.nwisrl.ars.usda.gov/id/eprint/471/
%V 63
%X Russet Burbank potatoes were grown in the greenhouse to explore the effects of soil O2, CO2 , and relative humidity on tuberization. The composition of the gas phase surrounding the below ground stem and stolons was controlled at various levels. Prolonged levels of CO2 greater than 5% produced large lenticels and, in combination with high relative humidity suppressed the number of stolons. Oxygen levels of 5% or less in prolonged contact with the stolons and underground portion of the stem were favorable to stem decay by pathogens but did not affect lenticel size. Isolating the stolons in a low relative humidity environment delayed tuber set, but increased the number of tubers per plant. This effect of low humidity suggests that the onset of tuberization involves at least two inductive factors, one of which is not translocated among stolons.