To maintain year-round supplies in the UK, about 1.5 million tonnes of potatoes are kept in cold stores for up to eight months to prevent sprouting. However, the withdrawal of a chemical that supresses sprouting, CIPC, threatens to cut storage duration by half.
Researchers are now looking into genetic analysis to tackle the challenges of maintaining crop quality while extending storage life.
New varieties
Supported by a grant for the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council prosperity partnership fund, the project aims to develop new potato varieties and storage methods that extend storage life, lower energy consumption and reduce the usage of chemicals.
Mari Carmen Alamar Gavidia, senior lecturer in postharvest biology from Cranfield University, said. “By reducing chemical use and improving energy efficiency in storage, we’re safeguarding the future of potato farming making it safer for the end consumer.
“This approach will not only cut waste but also supports the environment. It will ensure a year-round supply of safer and higher quality potatoes for consumers and make sure the nation can enjoy crisps, chips and mash uninterrupted.”
Meeting of minds
The project to enhance potato dormancy brings together expertise in genetics, plant biology, and technology. Findings from the study could help inform storage methods around the world with adaptations according to regional variations in harvest periods and facilities.
Professor Leon Terry, pro-vice-chancellor of research and innovation at Cranfield University, added: “Mitigating food waste is a key piece of the puzzle to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This grant is testament to the longstanding applied research Cranfield has provided to the GB potato industry over many years.”
Meanwhile, extreme weather conditions could cut the UK’s food self-sufficiency by up to 10%, according to new analysis by the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU).
Stages of the project
The project comprises three objectives. First, to evaluate endodormancy of two potato (Solanum tuberosum) cultivars under varying nitrogen applications across three harvest seasons.
In Activity 2, genetic variation in endodormancy will be assessed in 30 potato varieties, followed by the development of a mapping population for endodormancy.
Data from both experiments will be used in activity three to develop predictive models for tuber endodormancy.