NAPSO’s inaugural webinar was hosted earlier today, titled “Preparing for a Successful Storage Season.” This webinar brought together industry experts to discuss critical strategies for optimizing potato storage practices, ensuring that growers and storage managers are equipped with the knowledge they need for a successful season.
Nathan Gelles, Decco Post-Harvest: Gelles presented on the essential role of sanitation in potato storage, emphasizing that effective storage management begins well before harvest. His detailed approach included step-by-step procedures for cleaning and disinfecting storage facilities, the importance of environmental control to prevent disease, and the selection of appropriate sanitizing agents.
Todd Forbush, Techmark, Inc.: Forbush focused on the complex factors influencing potato sugar content and specific gravity, key to maintaining quality during storage. He provided insights into pre-harvest maturity evaluation, the impact of cumulative growing degree days (CGDD), and the importance of ongoing sugar sampling and cooling strategies throughout the storage season.