UV Treatment Unit Promises Longer Storage Life for Seed Potatoes and Vegetables

Specialists at VIM (the Russian Federal Scientific Agroengineering Center) have developed an experimental unit for electrophysical treatment of seed potatoes and vegetables using ultraviolet irradiation. The automated system controls both the intensity and duration of UV exposure, allowing treatment parameters to be tailored to specific crops and storage conditions. According to the developers, this precision approach significantly improves storage quality, with the most pronounced benefits observed at elevated temperatures where spoilage risks are typically highest.

The technology addresses a persistent challenge in potato and vegetable production: post-harvest losses caused by microbial development and premature sprouting during extended storage. By applying controlled UV doses, the unit is intended to suppress pathogens and slow physiological deterioration without chemical treatment, offering a non-invasive and environmentally friendly alternative. The experimental installation represents an early stage of development, but its results point to a promising direction for reducing storage losses and extending the marketable life of seed and food-grade produce.