ABSTRACT
In most countries, only one potato crop is raised each year, and as a result fresh potatoes are available for only 2-3 months. Therefore, potatoes need to be stored to meet the requirement during the remainder of the year. Potatoes are used for three purposes: seed, ware, and processing. Storage requirements vary depending upon the purpose for which potatoes are to be used. Seed potatoes are required only at the time of planting; therefore, they need to be stored for longer— approximately 6 months in countries where the potato crop is grown during summer and approximately 8 months in countries where the potato crop is grown during fall/winter. Generally, seed potatoes are stored at low temperatures (2-4°C). Ware and processing potatoes are in demand throughout the year; hence both short- and long-term storage are needed. Ware and processing potatoes are stored at higher temperatures (8-12°C) to reduce sugar accumulation.
