Aa. Abdulbaki et T. Solomos, DIFFUSIVITY OF CARBON-DIOXIDE THROUGH THE SKIN AND FLESH OF RUSSET BURBANK POTATO-TUBERS, Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science, 119(4), 1994, pp. 742-746
The diffusion coefficient of CO2 in 'Russet Burbank' potato (Solanum t
uberosum L.) tubers was determined under steady-state conditions at 10
and 27C. The data showed that the skin is the main barrier to gas dif
fusion, with an average diffusion coefficient of 6.57 x 10(-7) and 7.6
1 x 10(-7) cm.s-1 at 10 and 27C, respectively. The flesh also presents
an appreciable barrier to gas diffusion. The average diffusion coeffi
cient of CO2 in the flesh was 2.00 x 10(-4) and 2.24 x 10(-4) cm.s-1 a
t 10 and 27C, respectively. Under regular storage conditions, the tube
r is well aerated and the concentration of O2 at the center of the tub
er is sufficient to maintain aerobic respiration.