New ‘Focus on Potato’ Webcast Discusses Postharvest Use of Phosphorous Acid

Harvest and storage are among the more sensitive stages in potato production, a time when potatoes are particularly susceptible to damage. Harvest damage allows some pathogens entry into the tubers, while constant tuber-to-tuber contact is an excellent environment for some diseases to spread.

Phosphorous acid based products can be an effective control for many of these postharvest diseases when applying best practices.

In the latest ‘Focus on Potato’ presentation, titled “Phosphorous Acid and its use in Potato Post-Harvest Situations,” Dr. Steve Johnson at the University of Maine helps consultants, extension agents, growers, and other practitioners in the potato-producing states to understand more about phosphorous acid and its use in potato post-harvest situations. This presentation specifically covers:

• Differences between phosphorus-based compounds used in agriculture
• Which pathogens are controlled by phosphorous acid
• How to apply the material onto potatoes entering storage
• Best practices for optimal disease control in potato post-harvest situations

This 10-minute presentation is open access through October 31, 2014.

View other presentations in the ‘Focus on Potato’ resource