b'Removing visibly-frosted potatoes before storage is a much better approach than trying to deal with them in storage. Potatoes that have the potential not to store well should be sold or processed as quickly as possible, says Al-Mughrabi. Storing such potatoes might causeIf a hard frost does hit before your potential problems throughout the storage season, which can be costly. If a growerharvest, do not disturb tubers until suspects that potatoes in an area of the field (usually lower areas in the field accumulate more moisture and more potential for frost damage) were exposedthey have warmed completely. to frost damage, that area should be flagged and harvested last. These tubers can either be disposed of, or if they are still marketable, can be sold or processed immediately after harvest.STORAGE TIPS more than five per cent rot or frost-related breakdown require more work to dry and The first thing to do is closely inspect each damaged tuber intended for storage.prevent subsequent moisture-related breakdowns within the pile. Al-Mughrabi recommends growers avoid storing any potatoes with more than fiveAl-Mughrabi says if frosted potatoes were missed during the grading process per cent rot. This includes frost damage as well as other storage diseases such aswhile loading into storage, distributing these tubers on top of the pile may help them soft rot and dry rot combined (including late blight and pink rot). Potato piles withdry faster and prevent the potential for hot spots. In addition, do not overfill storages.Overfilling the storage hampers air flow and increases the chances of tuber breakdown due to rot, he adds. There should be at least 0.6 m (2 feet) between the top of the pile and the storage ceiling. This will allow proper air circulation and drying of the pile.From there, maintaining the best potato quality during storage is a matter of adjusting the environment, and the three main factors are temperature, humidity and air movement. Minimize the potential for soft rot by drying the tubers as quickly as possible, says Al-Mughrabi. Continuous air movement (minimum 2 cfm/barrel or 1.2 cfm/cwt) for the first 30 days may be necessary to heal wounds of the rest of the potatoes. Frozen potato tissue is no longer viable and cannot be healed.KHALIL AL-MUGHRABIS HARVEST AND STORAGE CHECKLISTOne cool canuck.Map out the field and identify problem areas. Vines should be dead for at least two weeks before harvest.Experience the vigour of the north with Alberta Harvest during dry periods, do not wet tubers.Seed Potatoes. With colder winters and long Harvest problem areas, low-lying areas and spray tracks last.summer days, our spuds are the best choice for Grade out infected tubers before storage.a higher yielding potato crop.Make the pile as clean as possible, remove dirt and debris. Do not overfill the storage.Ideal climate, profitable results.Adequate ventilation is essential to dry tubers and prevent secondaryinfections. Avoid free moisture in or on the pile.Check out our seed directory at Monitor the pile closely for any signs of hot spots.albertapotatoes.caBe prepared to move the tubers quickly if necessary.11/18-6205438 SPUDSMART.COM FALL 201962054-1_PGA_2018_Seed_Print_3-5X4-75_a2.indd 1 2018-11-09 1:13 PM'