Abstract
Batatasins are a class of phenolic growth inhibitors that are endogenous to the storage organs for a range of yams species and may have a role in dormancy control. The effect of exogenous batatasins on the dormancy of stored food yam tubers was studies to determine if a useful extension to the storage life could be obtained. Batatasins I and IV were most effective in prolonging dormancy, but only at relatively high concentration (>) 50 ppm), and effects were not as great as those produced by gibberellin A3. A slight extension of dormancy was obtained with three substituted stilbene analogues of B-III, but other similar analogues tested were ineffictive. No addition or synergistic effects were produced when batatasin and GA3 were tested in combination. Other commercially available gibberllins (GA9 and GA4-7) extended the dormancy of yam tubers but, again, neither was effective as GA3. Dormancy could be prolonged and tuber weight loss retarted by removing the newly emerged shoot buds and treating with GA3 with or without batatasin, but if the buds were not removed GA3 promoted both shoot extension growth and tuber weight loss.
