How to reduce potato bruising

Potato bruising is a serious problem in the potato industry and is a major cause of consumer complaint and an economic drain on the industry.

Correct nutrition of the crop prior to harvest can minimize the risk of bruising occurring.

Potassium, Calcium and Boron all have effects reducing tuber bruising.

Calcium

High levels of calcium in the tuber reduce bruising risks at harvest and subsequent transportation. Varieties vary in their calcium uptake, however, using calcium nitrate rather than ammonium nitrate minimises bruising damage and in some varieties, damage can be halved.

This trial from the USA shows that the use of calcium nitrate rather than ammonium nitrate resulted in higher levels of calcium in tubers over a range of different varieties.

Boron

Boron helps stabilise calcium in the cell walls and also affects calcium absorption, so supplies are important to ensure a balanced nutrition and to maximizes the benefits of applied calcium.

This trial shows how boron influences the calcium content of tubers and so also the incidence of tuber bruising.

Potassium

Potassium affects bruising, increased levels of potassium can reduce the level of tuber bruising.

This trial from England shows the relationship between potassium content and the incidence of tuber bruising over a range of varieties.

Other crop management practices influencing potato tuber bruising

Selecting the right variety to meet dry matter production needs
Harvesting in good conditions to avoid physical damage
Taking care during harvest and grading to reduce physical damage and bruising
Scheduling irrigation to maximize quality characteristics
Controlling temperatures and humidity in storage

Recommended Yara fertilisers for potatoes

YaraVita ZINTRAC 700

YaraVita Zintrac 700 is a highly concentrated flowable zinc

YaraVita MAGFLO 300

YaraVita Hydromag Liquid is a highly concentrated flowable formulation contains almost 3 times more magnesium than epsom salts.

YaraVita BORTRAC 150

YaraVita Bortrac 150 is a concentrated liquid boron formulation manufactured to exacting quality control standards to guarantee consistent analysis, crop safety and product performance.

YaraMila 8-11-20

YaraMila (8-11-20) is a high quality, granular NPK product which also contains sulphur and micronutrients.

YaraMila COMPLEX

YaraMila Complex (12-5-15) is a high quality, prilled NPK product which also contains magnesium and sulphur as well as micronutrients.

YaraBela CAN-27

YaraBela CAN-27 contains 27% total Nitrogen, 50% in the nitrate form

YaraLiva NITRABOR

YaraLiva Nitrabor (15.5% N + 18% Ca + 0.3% B) is a high quality calcium nitrate product, with added boron, for field application.

See all fertilisers products

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