In the latest edition of Synopsis by Potato Storage Insight (PSI), the focus is on the challenges and progress of potato storage this season.
Author Adrian Cunnington writes that several growers in Britain have completed their harvest, while others grapple with unprecedented wet weather conditions. The forecast predicts more rain, prompting a spotlight on handling wet crops. The bulletin offers best practice guidance, emphasizing the importance of drying and curing. There’s also an emphasis on in-store sprout control as certain potato varieties begin to sprout.
Recent weather inconsistencies have led to issues like large tubers, splitting, hollow heart, blackleg, and tuber blight. PSI has been closely involved in some new industry activities, including a strategic potato storage initiative, along with GB Potatoes, SDF Agriculture and other partners, for which trials are currently being loaded into store.
This month’s Technical Insight showcases a case study on upgrading older storage facilities, highlighting cost-effective solutions for modernizing them.
Additionally, preparations are underway for PSI’s participation in the BP2023 event in Harrogate. You can find PSI on Stand 135 in Hall 1. Do come and have a chat! Adrian will have information available about our various services and some new announcements about future activities.
Lastly, the establishment of the CIPC Residues Monitoring Group aims to monitor chlorpropham residues in stored potatoes. PSI’s Adrian Cunnington will chair the Group, assessing CIPC residue levels in previously-treated potato stores to comply with a new UK temporary Maximum Residue Limit of 0.35 mg/kg from April 2024. CIPC lost its approval for use on the crop across Europe in January 2020.
Read more of this content at www.potatostorageinsight.com
Source: Potato Storage Insight (PSI)
Photo: Adrian Cunnington (left) loading respiration trials at the WLS SPoT store with Simon Faulkner of SDF Agriculture, using the CHaP/Greenwich University P-Pod system. Credit and courtesy PSI
Contact: Adrian Cunnington can be reached at adrian@potatostorageinsight.com or call 07970 072260.
