Linking agronomy and storage for better processing

ADAS, Horticulture Research International (Lead) and SBCSR

 

 

The study examined the effect of: planting dates, irrigation, nitrogen regime, defoliation and harvesting dates, curing and storage regimes on fry colour and dry matter out of store. The object of this was set of recommendations for growing and storing a crop with optimum fry colour and dry matter for chip and crisp production. These recommendations will allow growers to reduce wastage from tubers failing to meet fry colour specifications.

 

 

Results to have indicated that: 

- Length of growing season had the largest effect on fry colour during storage, with shorter seasons producing poorer fry colours.

- Water & nitrogen regimes influenced dry matter through effects on crop canopy.

- Differences between treatments were smaller at store loading than after storage.

- Treatments with best fry colour at intake generally produced the best colour again after storage.      

- There was a narrow window for optimal quality with Lady Rosetta.