b"harvested potatoes and storage due to the forced air distribution.SS: What are the steps for cleaning and sanitation?NO:The first step is to physically remove soil and debris. Second step is application of a soap-based detergent Rinse with water if appropriate for the disinfectant and then you're going to apply disinfectantso really simple. There are companies out there that will do this for you that you can hire.(Again) the first step is physically removing all dirt and debris. Now this could be done with shovels, brooms, pressurized water, but the key is to at least get the soil and debris off the surfaces. This is especially important with equipment. Many problems can be effectively eliminated by removing soil and debris.Piping used in potato storage that needs to be cleaned and disinfected. PHOTO: NORA OLSENThe whole storage, not just the walls and things that are easy to see, the whole storagefor that amount of time.On metal surfaces its sometimes hard needs to be thoroughly cleaned. That'sto keep it wet for 10 minutes. Adding a including walls, beams, insulation, cement,GS : Its necessary to clean and sanitize allfoaming agent to the disinfectant to hold it dirt, floors, plenums, pipes, ventilation,the equipment, like trucks and trailers,in place and keep it wet for 10 minutes.humidification systems, you name it,wooden seed boxes, machinery cutters and anything that you can think of that comes inplanters particularly, and storage surfaces.NO:With disinfectant its important to contact or could be part of the whole system. Seed potato growers should do this annually.check the disinfectant label to see if rinsing After you have removed all the soil andThey should sanitize anything that comesis required and be sure the product is labeled have gotten all soil off of the surfaces, thein contact with potatoes and pay specialand registered in your state or province next step is to wash the entire surface. Washattention to the seed cutting rollers. SomeNow, disinfection alone will not adequately the entire facility and duct pipes with soapof the older ones had open cell foams thatclean a storage. There are many disinfectants and pressurized warm or hot water. Soap- allow moisture and bacteria to accumulateout there, and some are more appropriate based detergents are particularly effective atin the foam versus closed cell that does notthan others based upon the material youre dissolving dry potato sap, bacterial biofilms,allow the moisture to enter the foam. If youdisinfecting. or other residues that might be adhering tohave ring rot, those bacteria get in the foamIn addition, some and disinfectants may the floors, walls, or equipment. Now somecells hidden in the foam and stay there untilneed to be buffered before you apply them. pressure washers may not have the power tothe next year when they get wet and thenSo, it is important to read the labels and reach all areas, so a ladder or other means tothey start oozing bacteria again. identify the appropriate disinfectant for ensure good coverage may be needed. Butwhat you need. Some are better on wood, this is the most important step in the wholeSS: What is important to keep inand some may be better for bacterial ring cleaning processwater with detergent.mind when applying disinfectant? rot. Decide what disinfectant you need Thoroughly rinse all the clean surfacesGS:What you should know is that mostbased upon the type of material that you're before disinfecting because the disinfectionregistered disinfectants work. If theyvecleaning, as well as what your intended will be less effective if the facility has notgot an EPA or an FDA registration, theyrepathogen that youre targeting. been cleaned and rinsed prior to application. going to work because theyve been tested Next apply disinfectant solution to allagainst bacteria.the surfaces, that means all surfaces, walls,Its important to follow the label plenums, duct pipes. Assure it remains wetrecommendations. If it says dilute one to 10, with the disinfectant solution for aboutdont dilute one to five to make it stronger 10 minutesThis length of exposure hasbecause it needs a one to 10 dilution toFor more information on important dates for growing been shown to effectively kill pathogens onactivate it properly. And the key to all thisspuds visit spudsmart.com/keeping-your-spud-equipment and in the storage facility. Sodisinfection they have to be wet, the surfacesequipment-squeaky-clean-webinar/ and watch our very important to make sure that it lingershave to be wet for 10 minutes. latest webinar about it.SPUDSMART.COMFall 202347"