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hollowheart

Scientific Name: Acnistus arborescens

Family: Solanaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree, Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Hollow Heart: An Overview

The term "Hollow Heart" refers to a physiological disorder primarily associated with potato tubers and watermelons, although the provided texts focus more extensively on potatoes.

Considerations for Consumption

  • Hollow heart potatoes are generally considered safe to eat.
  • The disorder manifests as an internal cavity within the potato or watermelon.

What is Hollow Heart?

  • Hollow heart is a noninfectious physiological disorder.
  • In potatoes, it's characterized by an internal cavity or rupture in the central tissue of the tuber.
  • Brown center is related to hollow heart and can occur independently.
  • Exact causes are not fully understood, but rapid and uneven growth is often a contributing factor.
  • Poor pollination can also cause hollow heart in watermelons.

Factors Influencing Hollow Heart

  • Disruptive weather patterns, especially in spring and early summer, can contribute to the occurrence of hollow heart in watermelons.
  • Environmental and growth stresses, including nutritional imbalances, can lead to hollow heart and related pulp disorders.

Detection and Research

  • Research has explored non-destructive techniques, such as ultrasonic methods and semi-transmission, for detecting hollow heart in potatoes.

Implications

  • Hollow heart in watermelons can negatively impact marketability due to the internal cracks and separation.
  • Hollow heart can lead to rotting in pea seeds, irrespective of the incidence of hollow heart.