Development of Penicillium on the Cut Surfaces of Certain Vegetables

Abstract

WHILE making certain experiments designed to test the efficacy of various fungicides we encountered an interesting phenomenon. We noted that when the cut surfaces of potato tubers were dipped momentarily in a 2½ per cent solution of copper sulphate, Penicillium developed copiously on these cut surfaces within five days if they were kept under moist conditions, but similar untreated surfaces were uncontaminated by this or any other fungus. Further cut surfaces of sugar-beet, turnip, Jerusalem artichoke, carrot, and onion reacted similarly, although growth was less noticeable on carrot ; here also un treated cut surfaces did not readily develop fungal growth.