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Harvesting potatoes with minimum damage

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Abstract

Temperature, tuber condition and harvester operation must be considered if potatoes are to be harvested with minimum damage. In general, total damage increased as temperature decreased; however, the type of damage resulting from impact was influenced by temperature and tuber condition. The data indicate that a tuber turgidity level occurs wherein total damage susceptibility level is minimal for a given tuber temperature and that the proper tuber turgidity level changes as temperature changes. A tuber hydration level which produces little damage when bruised at a flesh temperature of 65–70 F results in severe damage (shatter bruise) when subjected to the same force at 45–50 F. Conversely, a hydration level which results in severe blackspot at 65–70 F may result in slight to moderate total damage when subjected to the same impact at 50–55 F.

Data from several commercial harvester studies indicate that damage may increase rather than decrease with a reduction of harvester speed. The ratio of chain speeds to forward speed was found to be more important than forward speed alone. The optimum ratios varied and were dependent on potato yield. Theoretical ratios based on the volume of tubers at different yield levels and harvester chain capacities were calculated and compared with actual ratios of commercial harvest operation. Harvesters operated with chain speed to forward speed ratios near the theoretical ratios resulted in low tuber damage (25%) with forward speed ranges of 1.60 to 3.25 mph. Harvesters operating with ratios differing considerably from theoretical ratios resulted in a high level of damage (66%).

The catechol test identified shatter bruise damage which ruptured the skin, but did not detect internal blackspot. Therefore, the catechol test should be used with discretion when attempting to determine the total damage level. Lye peeling and abrasive peeling identified both blackspot and severe shatter bruise damage and should be used when determining harvester operation speeds when both types of damage occur.

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Author notes

  1. D. A. Smittle

    Present address: Coastal Plain Experiment Station, 31794, Tifton, Georgia

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Washington State University, 99163, Pullman, Washington

    R. E. Thornton (Assistant Horticulturist), C. L. Peterson (Extension Vegetable Specialist) & B. B. Dean (Assistant Agricultural Engineer, and Experimental Aide)

Authors
  1. D. A. Smittle
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  2. R. E. Thornton
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  3. C. L. Peterson
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  4. B. B. Dean
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Additional information

Scientific paper no. 3882. Washington Agricultural Experiment Station, Pullman, Washington. Work was conducted under Projects 1948 and 1984.

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Smittle, D.A., Thornton, R.E., Peterson, C.L. et al. Harvesting potatoes with minimum damage. American Potato Journal 51, 152–164 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02851381

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02851381

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