Utilization of potatoes in bioregenerative life support systems.
Data on the tuberization, harvest index, and morphology of 2 cvs of white potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) grown at 12, 16, 20, 24 and 28 degrees C, 250, 400 and 550 micromoles s-1 m-2 photosynthetic photon flux (PPF), 350, 1000 and 1600 microliters l-1 CO2 will be presented.  A productivity of 21.9 g m-2 day-1 of edible tubers from a solid stand of potatoes grown for 15 weeks with continuous irradiation at 400 micromoles s-1 m-2, 16 degrees C and 1000 microliters l-1 CO2 has been obtained.  This equates to an area of 34.3 m2 being required to provide 2800 kcal of potatoes per day for a human diet.  Separated plants receiving side lighting have produced 32.8 g m-2 day-1 which equates to an area of 23.6 m2 to provide 2800 kcal.  Studies with side lighting indicate that productivities in this range should be realized from potatoes.  Glycoalkaloid levels in tubers of controlled-environment-grown plants are within the range of levels found in tubers of field grown plants.  The use and limitation of recirculating solution cultures for potato growth is discussed.
Tibbitts
T W
TW
Horticulture Department, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706.
Wheeler
R M
RM
D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000378:metabolism; D018504:Ecological Systems, Closed; D008021:Life Support Systems / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008027:Light; D008029:Lighting / Q000379:methods; D009929:Organ Size; D017785:Photons; D017440:Photoperiod; D018547:Plant Stems / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects; D012992:Solanine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000032:analysis; D011198:Solanum tuberosum / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000528:radiation effects; D013696:Temperature; D014118:Toxins, Biological / Q000032:analysis
D014118:Toxins, Biological; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D012992:Solanine; C011860:alpha-chaconine