New guidance for managing potato stores

Three new guides to help potato growers manage their stores have been launched by the British Potato Council at this week’s Potato Storage Conference near Grantham (16 January).

The first, Managing the risk of black leg and soft rot, helps growers identify the risks most relevant to their own farms and provides information on how to manage these.

Simple pointers on how to improve airflow to maintain crop quality are included in the Store performance guide, which also includes a fax-back sheet so that growers can get specific advice from storage specialists at the BPC’s Sutton Bridge Experimental Unit.

Managing large potato stores outlines ways in which large buildings can be subdivided to reduce filling time and energy use, drawing on four farm-based case studies.

“According to our regular surveys, these are the storage-related issues where extra help and guidance can deliver potato growers the most benefit,” said the BPC’s Rob Clayton.

“With each of these guides we’ve identified the most relevant research-based advice and presented it in a way that ensures you can get the information quickly, concisely and clearly.”

Copies of all three guides will be sent to levy payers who store crops, or can be obtained from BPC Publications, 01865 782222 or publications@potato.org.uk