The bulk of harvest is just ahead of us and here are a few reminders on operating equipment for handling the new crop. Regardless of how experienced at operating equipment, a few friendly reminders can always be helpful to minimize bruise, say potato specialists Nora Olsen and Mike Thornton in this article published by Potato Grower magazine.
They say there are multiple and complex conditions that can cause a potato to bruise. Bruise research indicates major influencers of whether a potato will bruise or not includes variety susceptibility, tuber pulp temperature, and impact force. Lessening the physical impact on a potato is a tangible action that can be done by modifying how equipment is operated and replacing and updating padding and cushioning.
There are five three-minute videos related to this at the University of Idaho potato website: www.uidaho.edu/cals/potatoes/bruise-management/training-videos.
Source: Potato Grower magazine. Read the full article here
Photo: Potato Grower magazine
