Netherlands: Three companies launch their own ethylene concept for seed potato storage

According to the Potato-e founders, the concept builds on over fifteen years of experience with ethylene in seed potato cultivation. During this period, Ten Brinke, Theunisse, and Hoogland conducted more than 1,350 trials across a wide range of growing conditions. They also studied more than 225 potato varieties.

This experience allows companies to tailor their ethylene use in seed potato storage to the variety, the situation, and the storage strategy. Ethylene inhibits top sprout dominance, the natural process by which one dominant sprout suppresses the others.

By reducing this effect, more even and intensive germination is stimulated. According to the Potato-e founders, this can increase the number of tubers per plant by an average of 10 to 15 percent. Sorting also becomes more uniform.

Sensor technology

Potato-e is introducing a new generation of ethylene application and measurement systems specifically for seed potato cultivation. This equipment features sensor technology that allows for accurate measurement and adjustment of ethylene levels in the storage area. An added benefit is that storage can also be monitored and controlled remotely.

Ten Brinke, Theunisse, and Hoogland believe that the combination of practical experience, research results, and technical innovation makes it possible to provide targeted and reliable advice for almost any seed potato variety.