Cool storage of potatoes in farm-size stores I. Forced-draught ventilation using cold, outside air

Abstract

The possibility of storing ware potatoes at 2°–4°C, by ventilating with cold, outside air, was investigated during 1964–1967, usingKerr's Pink, a variety which sprouts early and rapidly. Results showed that, provided cold weather spells were utilized promptly, this variety could be satisfactorily stored for 6 months by ventilating for 250–300 h at 64–80 m3/h/m3 potatoes (60–75 cubic ft./m/ton). Management was eased at weekends and at night by using differential thermostats to provide automatic operation of fans.