Storage conditions
Pre-sprouting involves many decisions and operations. The diagram presents recommendations regarding de-sprouting, temperature and light conditions for storing sprouting seed potatoes. Seed potatoes will reach the multi-sprout stage earlier if you remove or damage the apical sprouts. If, owing to circumstances, the sprouts have grown too much, the tubers may have to be de-sprouted at a later stage.
Dutch seed potato growers pay close attention to their seed potatoes during the storage period. They control the climatic conditions to ensure that the potatoes remain dormant for as long as necessary or possible. A high relative humidity shortens the dormant period. The effect of light on the tuber’s dormancy depends on the seed’s maturity. Light lengthens the dormant period of mature seed potatoes, but may on the contrary
shorten that of seed potatoes that have been harvested while still
immature.
The temperature is of great influence on the length of the dormant period and the tuber’s physiological development. Fluctuations in temperature, but also a storage temperatures above 5°C, shorten the dormant period and favour the growth of sprouts. Temperatures of 2°C or less are dangerous as they may lead to internal sprouting, the formation of secondary tubers or other defects. The optimum storage temperature for seed
potatoes is 3-4°C.
| Condition of seed |
Planting time |
De- and resprouting |
Storage Temp |
Storage light |
| No sprouts | Soon Later |
- - |
15 - 20 5 - 10 |
Dark Light |
| Top sprouts | Soon Later |
yes yes |
15 - 20 5 - 10 |
Dark Light |
| Several short sprouts |
Soon Later |
no no |
10 - 20 5 - 10 |
Light Light |
| Long, white sprouts firm tuber |
Soon Later |
yes yes |
15 - 20 10 - 15 |
Dark Light |
| Long, white sprouts soft tuber |
Soon Later |
no ! no ! |
cool cool |
Light Light |
Dutch seed potato growers pay close attention to their seed potatoes during the storage period. They control the climatic conditions to ensure that the potatoes remain dormant for as long as necessary or possible. A high relative humidity shortens the dormant period. The effect of light on the tuber’s dormancy depends on the seed’s maturity. Light lengthens the dormant period of mature seed potatoes, but may on the contraryshorten that of seed potatoes that have been harvested while still
immature.
The temperature is of great influence on the length of the dormant period and the tuber’s physiological development. Fluctuations in temperature, but also a storage temperatures above 5°C, shorten the dormant period and favour the growth of sprouts. Temperatures of 2°C or less are dangerous as they may lead to internal sprouting, the formation of secondary tubers or other defects. The optimum storage temperature for seedpotatoes is 3-4°C.