Loss and damage in potatoes

Abstract

The work of this survey over three seasons has involved an inspection of a sample of Canterbury crops during the lifting period (May-June), inspection of farm consignments during grading in produce stores, and observations on aspects of transportation. The problems to be discussed are less those primarily associated with loss of production to farmers, viz., virus and other diseases that limit yield, but rather more the issues that relate to blemishes or defects in the appearance of marketed produce. Of these, certain diseases, notably scab and tuber rot (Blight) are important but, in addition, mechanical damage to a perishable commodity appears to be of particular concern during the handling of the Canterbury crop.