What is the scientific way to store potatoes? A complete breakdown of the methods

For the heap storage method, choose a warehouse with good ventilation and a dry site, first fumigate and disinfect with a mixture of formalin and potassium permanganate, then put the potatoes into the warehouse, generally piling 750 kg per sq m, about 1.5 m high, surround them with crates, baskets or wooden boards, and place several bamboo ventilation tubes in the middle. This method is suitable for short-term storage and the storage of autumn potatoes.

For the ventilated warehouse storage method, put the potatoes into baskets and stack them in the warehouse, about 25 kg per basket, and a stack height of 5 to 6 baskets is appropriate. In addition, they can also be piled loose in the warehouse, with a pile height of 1.3 to 1.7 m, and at least 60 to 80 cm of space must be left between the potato pile and the warehouse ceiling. Place a ventilation tube every 2 to 3 m in the potato pile, and a ventilation duct can also be set at the bottom of the potato pile and connected to the ventilation tubes, with cold air blown in by a blower. In autumn and early winter, open the ventilation system at night to let cold air in, and close it during the day to prevent hot air from entering. In winter, pay attention to keeping warm, and add heat if necessary. After the temperature rises in spring, use the method of briefly ventilating at night and keeping it closed during the day to slow the rise in warehouse temperature.

For the chemical storage method, treating with agents such as maleic hydrazide (MH) or methyl naphthaleneacetate during storage can inhibit or reduce sprouting, also inhibit the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms, and prevent rot.

The time for chemical treatment is more suitable at about two months after harvest (that is, during the dormant period). Otherwise, for potatoes that have passed the dormant period and begun to sprout, even if treated with chemicals, sprouting still cannot be inhibited.