Engineering support of innovative technology of potato mini-tubers production

The development of a real innovative technology of industrial production of health mini-tubers in large volumes with low cost is a very urgent task. The article deals with the issue of engineering requirements for innovative production of potato mini-tubers, working out the method of obtaining mini-tubers with their collection as they grow on soil substrates, the influence of the main external factors on the growth of potato plants and the intensity of tuber formation. The constructive scheme of the device allowing to provide performance of requirements of innovative technology of reception of mini-tubers of potatoes on a firm substrate with their collecting in process of increase is resulted. The results of laboratory tests on accelerated reproduction of potato mini-tubers are presented on the example of the technological module manufactured in pilot production. Experimental studies on growing potatoes on the technological module from test tube micro-plants have confirmed the possibility of effective production of healthy mini-tubers on soil substrates with collection as they grow. The influence of four main external factors on the induction of tuber formation was estimated: short day (long night), temperature (its night decrease), intensive illumination of the above-ground part of plants when the zone of steel formation is darkened, as well as a moderate level of nitrogen supply. It is shown that under the influence of these factors there is a switching of physiological and biochemical processes in the plant from linear growth to the formation of tubers. It is concluded that in comparison with traditional technology on the technological module the yield of mini-tubers from one micro-plant increases by 4-6 times, the volume of required nutrient substrates is reduced more than twice, the period of active productivity of the potato plant is prolonged. By optimizing the four external factors of cubing, the potential of the module (more than 50 tubers per 1 plant) can be achieved.