10%-20% VARIATION AFTER DRY AUGUST: POTATO SPROUT CONTROL IS KEY
AFTER an unbelievably difficult UK potato storage season last year, this season is shaping up to be easier, with, at least initially, potato harvesting conditions on the dry side.
Following a drier-than-usual August, dry matters are reportedly 10-20% higher than typical, which could lead to higher bruising risk.
Mercian’s Jon Kemp said skin set was something to watch for in potatoes coming into store. The storage season had started around a week later than usual after growers delayed lifting to increase yields in later planted crops. “It could be an issue if growers haven’t terminated crops early enough while chasing yield,” said Jon.
Poor skin set is more likely to be found in crops being harvested from mid-October onwards, which leaves crops more vulnerable to weight loss and infections, Adrian Cunnington from Potato Storage Insight stressed.
“I think there will be some soft rots and fungal rots, such as pink rot, around. They have already been reported, not excessively, in some fields, so store managers will need to keep an eye on crops going into store,” he said.
For tips and insights into breaking down sprout control by sector, see the November issue of British Potato Review.
