Skin quality test

14 September 2001

Skin quality test

TUBER skin quality could be checked at intake using a new test next year if plans to commercialise a bloom-meter developed by the SAC are successful.

The gadget assesses skin quality, overcoming the potential for human error and subjectivity creeping into visual checks, says the SACs David Ross. A quick scan of each sample tuber gives a score of 1-5, with the scoring scale remaining consistent irrespective of operator or time of year.

A prototype unit is being used this autumn and a commercial unit could cost as little as £500, making it an option for larger growers.