Bruising

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Blackspot bruising shown at the edges of an onion cross-section

Bruising is the damaging of plant tissue, especially the fruit or tuber. Bruised crops do not store as well and are more susceptible to disease.

Symptoms

The four main types of bruises are:

Skinning or Feathering

The skin is rubbed off during handling. This usually affects immature potato tubers that have not yet been cured. Exposed areas are more sensitive to wind, sunshine and dry air.

Blackspot bruise

A stereotypical bruise; this occurs when the tuber impacts a solid object causing damage to the cells in the tissue without breaking the skin. Signs are visible 24-48 hours later under the skin. Crop usually appears normal, but will show darkened area(s) when cut into. Appears like a human tissue hematoma.

Shatter

Caused by an impact with a solid object which pierces the skin. Diseases are easily able to invade crops with shatter bruises. Crop shows a split. Differs from fruit splitting when growing as the bruise edges are normally softened and curved inwards rather than appearing as a tightening of the skin.

Pressure

Usually develops in storage, but may also occur when the tuber/fruit/bulb is still growing and is impeded by solid soil or rocks. Often results from dehydration from low soil-moisture before harvest or poor humidification in storage. Crop may feel softer.

Treatment

None, use immediately.

Prevention

Handle crop carefully at every stage in the process. Do not plant damaged bulbs/tubers. Be careful when harvesting as tools and equipment can easily damage crops. Inspect crop before storing and store in correct conditions.

Examples

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  Potato, Maris peer (scuffing)

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  Potato, Maris peer (shatter bruise)

References

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