#Agriculture #Farming #SeedPotatoes #Bruising #AgriculturalEngineering #CropQuality #CropYield #AgricultureScience #AgriculturalSustainability
Potato bruising can have severe consequences on the overall health and productivity of your crop. As a farmer, agronomist, agricultural engineer, or scientist working in agriculture, understanding and mitigating the risks associated with bruising is essential for a successful harvest.
Data from reveals that bruising can significantly reduce the vigour of seed potatoes. This can lead to poor plant growth, lower yields, and increased susceptibility to diseases and pests. Additionally, bruising raises the risk of seed piece decay, causing further losses in crop quality and quantity.
Furthermore, the same data highlights that bruising can accelerate the physiological aging of seed potatoes, affecting their storage potential and market value. To combat this issue, proactive measures should be taken to minimize the risk of bruising during handling and transportation.
One effective method to reduce bruising is by ensuring that the internal pulp temperature of the tubers remains above 8°C before handling. Low temperatures increase the likelihood of damage and bruising, making it essential to pay attention to temperature management.
Another crucial consideration is the handling of potatoes on conveyors. The data suggests that drops experienced by potatoes during conveyance should not exceed 6 inches (approximately 15cm). To further mitigate impact, cushioning materials like foam should be employed in areas where drops are unavoidable, such as loading bins.
Addressing the issue of bruising in seed potatoes is vital for farmers, agronomists, agricultural engineers, and farm owners to ensure a successful and profitable harvest. By following the latest data-backed recommendations, such as maintaining a minimum internal pulp temperature, limiting drops during conveyance, and using cushioning materials, we can significantly reduce the risk of bruising. Embracing these strategies will not only improve seed potato quality but also contribute to overall agricultural sustainability and productivity.
Source: Australian Potato Growers
