The 2013 potato harvest is coming to an end. Most companies are finished and the potatoes have been stored. By storing the potatoes for a long time, the grower can raise added value. But storing potatoes also comes with risks for the grower. Adolf Kellermann of the 'Bayerische Landesanstalt für Landwirtschaft' (LfL), explains what to watch out for when storing potatoes on a long term in an interview with the German website agrarheute.com.
"Due to the prolonged period of heat and the rain afterwards these potatoes could have been affected by loose skins," explains Kellermann. "These loose skins are gateways for pathogens, which can result in potato disease, fusariums and erwinia."
Kellermann advises growers to make sure that the spuds have a firm skin. "The grower must also make sure that they sort out the rotten potatoes when storing them." It is also important that the harvest dries as fast as possible. "It helps if the amount of earth on the potatoes is as small as possible."
Kellermann advises growers to make sure that the spuds have a firm skin. "The grower must also make sure that they sort out the rotten potatoes when storing them." It is also important that the harvest dries as fast as possible. "It helps if the amount of earth on the potatoes is as small as possible."