For potato growers, seed is one of their most important and expensive inputs. It is vital that seed tubers are treated with care; they could be the difference between an outstanding or poor crop. Elders Mount Gambier agronomist Jack Hanna shares his top tips for best practices when storing seed potatoes.
Correct storage of seed potatoes is essential for a more successful crop in the following growing season. Potatoes must be placed into cold storage approximately 2 to 3 weeks post-harvest, allowing time for any bruising or other imperfections to heal.
Once in the cool room, the temperature must be kept as close to 3 degrees as possible. It is also essential to ensure that humidity and carbon dioxide levels are closely monitored. Humidity should be ideally upwards of 95 per cent, whilst carbon dioxide levels below 1500ppm are most optimal for storage.
A temperature of 3 degrees is essential to minimise premature sprouting and keep seed dormant until required for the following growing season, which keeps seed vigour optimal. Temperatures of below 2 degrees may incur cell damage, whilst temperatures above 5 degrees will not keep the tubers dormant for long enough.
Humidity of ideally 95 per cent is important as this reduces seed shrinkage and dehydration of the potato due to moisture losses. This also helps to maintain seed vigour when planted in the following growing season.
Carbon dioxide levels of ideally 1500ppm are necessary as this reduces oxygen starvation in the tuber. Oxygen starvation can result in lowered seed emergence and overall vigour. Carbon dioxide levels above 4000ppm will prevent the tubers from healing imperfections and therefore reduce seed in the following growing season.
The chosen cool room must be appropriately ventilated and have adequate airflow throughout. Ventilation is important for flushing out heightened carbon dioxide levels and allowing fresh air into the rooms. Cool room managers must ensure that airflow is consistent throughout, therefore ensuring that temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide levels stay steady at all times.
If utilising all of these best management practices mentioned above, the potato seed for the following season should be in its most optimal condition, therefore enhancing your chances of growing a highly successful crop by meeting your yield and quality targets.
Below are some examples of seed which have (on the left) and have not been stored correctly (on the right), to demonstrate the stark difference.
Crate of healthy seed potatoes as a result of being correctly stored.
Seed potatoes which have not been stored correctly, resulting in them sprouting.
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The information contained in this article is given for general information purposes only, current at the time of first publication, and does not constitute professional advice. The article has been independently created by a human author using some degree of creativity through consultation with various third-party sources. Third party information has been sourced from means which Elders consider to be reliable. However, Elders has not independently verified the information and cannot guarantee its accuracy. Links or references to third party sources are provided for convenience only and do not constitute endorsement of material by third parties or any associated product or service offering. While Elders has exercised reasonable care, skill and diligence in preparation of this article, many factors including environmental/seasonal factors and market conditions can impact its accuracy and currency. The information should not be relied upon under any circumstances and, to the extent permitted by law, Elders disclaim liability for any loss or damage arising out of any reliance upon the information contained in this article. If you would like to speak to someone for tailored advice specific to your circumstances relating to any of the matters referred to in this article, please contact Elders.
