10/04/07 Ranger Russet storage research

Trying to get the greatest yield from Ranger Russet potatoes by extending the season may cost the grower later. Rick Knowles of Washington State University says his research shows the longer you leave Rangers in the ground under dead vines at the end of the season the faster they will lose quality in storage. KNOWLES "Yeah, you might get a slightly higher yield, but if you try and grow a crop of Rangers for 170-180 days likely those potatoes will be over mature and will lose quality faster in storage. And so it will come back to bite you later in the season in terms of French fry quality." Knowles' recommendation, harvest as soon as possible after vine desiccation. KNOWLES "About 155 to 160 days after planting at that point the vines are still somewhat green but of course they are canessing rapidly. When we say green vines we're not talking about a field that is solid green and growing vigorously at the end of the season. The fertilizers have been cut off, the water is being reduced and what not." Harvesting Rangers green could increase the potential for harvester damage so growers need to take precautions to prevent that. Knowles says when spuds to into storage conditions have to be created that are conducive to wound hearing. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott