The risks of storing crops that are not fit for storage

Storage CAUTION

Deciding to store onions or potatoes is a complicated decision, which comes with financial RISKS and OPPORTUNITIES.

Drying onions or potatoes.

The drying process helps to eliminate excess moisture on the produce as quickly as possible, thereby keeping mould and bacteria at bay.

All types of onion and potato can be dried.

Storing onions or potatoes.

The storage process consists of keeping the onions and potatoes under controlled conditions with relation to temperature, humidity, ventilation, CO2 levels (in some cases) and the application of potato sprout inhibitor.

Not all types of onion and potato are suitable for storage.

There is one main reason for storing onions and potatoes:

The sole reason for storing onions and potatoes is:

To protect the onions and potatoes for long enough to be able to sell them at a better price, without sacrificing quality.

In other words: If the price is not going to improve:

DON'T STORE THE PRODUCE. Sell it!

Storing onions and potatoes is a tricky matter, and requires large investments. Nowadays, the facilities for storing onions and potatoes are so sophisticated and computerised that they can create the perfect and environment for the onions and potatoes at a consistent level in terms of temperature, humidity, ventilation and CO2 level. However, not all onions and potatoes are suitable for storage.

Not all onions and potatoes are suitable for storage (especially onions).

There are roughly 1,300 varieties of onion, and almost the same amount of potato varieties. Only certain varieties are suitable for storage. Before deciding to store your produce, we advise you to get in touch with your seed provider to determine if your current variety is suitable for storage. You can also ask your seed provider to recommend the best variety for your area.

The key features of an onion that is suitable for storage:

Onions that are suitable for storage

Hard, compact bulb
Thin neck
Firm skin
Low water content

The main causes of problems during storage are:

The main adversaries of successful onion and potato storage are the diseases that come from the field. The problem with this is that they often don't manifest during the harvest but multiply rapidly in the storage facility, along with all of their disastrous consequences. (read more)
Physical damage during harvest and transport to the storage facility. Damage to the bulb or tuber are like wounds that quickly become infected.
A prematurely harvested onion will sprout during storage.
If you do not apply sprout inhibitor to potatoes, they will sprout during storage.

Please note that some onions can only be stored for a certain amount of time. Some onions can be stored for up to 2 or 3 months, and others for longer.

Some crucial advice:

Facilities for storing onions or potatoes are not hospitals. What we mean is:

YOU CAN ONLY STORE GOOD QUALITY PRODUCE.

In other words: Only produce which has seen GOOD FARMING PRACTICES are suitable for storage.

If quality produce goes in, quality produce comes out.

If bad quality goes in, it will come out even worse.

Storage facilities should be seen as a nice hotel for the produce, and not a hospital.

We have to spoil the produce during its stay with us.

For an analysis of the different storage systems, please click on the spoilt potato below:

please click on the spoilt potato

Next up: Molds storage, onions: Aspergillums Niger, potatoes: Phytophthora

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In other words: Only produce resulting from GOOD FARMING PRACTICES is suitable for storage.

If quality produce goes in, quality produce comes out.

If bad quality goes in, it will come out even worse.

Storage facilities should be seen as a nice hotel for the produce, and not a hospital.

To mechanise your post harvest processes:
contact us:
Telephone:
+1 239 3002374
or use our (preferable)
our contact form

Address: Farm San Isidro, Volcán, Panama.

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