Integrating Potato Agronomy and Storage

Industry priorities relating to agronomy and storage continue to be recognised by AHDB Potatoes and are incorporated into the Research and Innovation Strategy (2015-2020). A requirement was identified for an integrated programme of research which further explores the relationships between agronomy regimes and the implications for storage and the tuber quality delivered to the end user. It was also recognised that there was not always sufficient empirical information on field agronomy and environmental variables that may be able to inform storage practice and storage potential, or that may retrospectively provide evidence to explain storage issues. The aim of this tender is to commission integrative, outcome focussed, agronomy and storage research which address the following priorities: • The impact of seed storage practices on the performance of the daughter crop/quality of daughter tubers to meet end-user requirements. • The impact of field agronomy/environmental factors on the incidence of physiological conditions e.g. blackheart, and dormancy and sprouting. • The impact of field agronomy/environmental factors on the resilience to storage disease. • Review of information on chitting technology, including LED lighting, which might be more effective and reduce the cost of chitting.