ASSESSMENT OF POTATO TUBER PARENCHYMA OF SEED-POTATOES IRRADIATED WITH MICROWAVES

Summary. The purpose of the work was to examine the impact of microwave radiation on formation of potato tuber parenchyma defects (inhomogeneity, discolourations, glassiness, rusty dark spots and hollow hearts). Research, which was carried out in 2008-2010 included very early potato cultivars: Felka Bona, Rosara, Velox and Lord. A device operating with the power of 100 W, generating microwave radiation of 2.45 GHz frequency was used in the ex-periment. The research results within radiation times accepted for the experiment, do not prove a significant influence of microwaves on formation of the mentioned internal potato tu-ber defects. Key words: potato, potato tuber, parenchyma defects, microwave