As the 2026 harvest season approaches, potato storage managers are bracing for elevated risks of anthracnose and soft bacterial rot (Pectobacterium) due to the wet conditions expected during September’s lifting operations. The combination of soil moisture and tuber damage during harvest creates a favorable environment for these pathogens, making post-harvest management more critical than ever. To mitigate these threats, industry best practices emphasize a mandatory curing period of 14 days at 15-18°C with 95% relative humidity, coupled with forced ventilation at a rate of 70 m³/h per ton of product. This therapeutic phase allows superficial wounds to heal and suberize, forming a natural barrier against rot pathogens while excess surface moisture is gradually removed. Ozonation during this period further enhances disease suppression, as ozone gas effectively disinfects storage atmospheres and reduces surface microbial loads without leaving chemical residues, offering a clean-label solution for protecting tuber quality during the critical early storage phase.
Alongside disease management, sprout control represents a major regulatory and technological shift for the 2026/2027 storage season. The traditional active ingredient chlorpropham (CIPC), once the industry standard, is being phased out across many markets due to regulatory restrictions and consumer demand for residue-free produce. In its place, storage facilities are increasingly adopting natural alternatives such as peppermint oil formulations (e.g., Biox-M) and 1,4-dimethylnaphthalene (1,4-DMN), applied via advanced fogging systems to ensure uniform distribution throughout storage facilities. These next-generation sprout suppressants offer effective dormancy extension while complying with evolving safety standards and organic certification requirements. The transition demands careful recalibration of application protocols, including timing, dosage, and ventilation management, to maximize efficacy while minimizing phytotoxicity. By integrating these combined approaches—rigorous curing, ozone sanitation, and novel sprout inhibitors—storage operators can significantly reduce post-harvest losses, maintain processing quality, and ensure market readiness for the season ahead.
