More about ethylene
Ethylene is a natural plant hormone produced in small quantities by most plants, fruits and vegetables as they ripen. It has been used for many years as a means of speeding up and controlling the ripening process in crops such as bananas.
Ethylene is not harmful or toxic to humans in any way.
The unique properties of ethylene have been discovered to naturally inhibit sprouting in potatoes. The careful introduction of trace elements of ethylene into the refrigerated potato store can delay the sprouting process significantly.
Once potatoes leave the store, no discernable residues remain on the crop.
The biofresh system is a perfectly effective and ethical alternative to fogging the stored crop with CIPC, which leaves harmful residues.
Guidelines for useage
- The UK PSD guidelines recommend the use of 99.9% pure ethylene for potato storage applications. The cylindered gas supplied with the biofresh system meets with these required purity standards.
- Introduce ethylene into the store after potatoes have "cured" and once the long-term storage temperature target has been achieved.
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Build-up ethylene concentration gradually:
- 2 weeks at 2 ppm
- 2 weeks at 4 ppm
- 2 weeks at 6 ppm
- 2 weeks at 8 ppm
- thereafter, maintain at target concentration of 10ppm
- Ventilate ethylene-enriched stores on a regular basis (at least one brief air change per day during the initial storage period).
- Monitor stores regularly.
Treatment of "sensitive" varieties.
Some varieties of potato (notably King Edward, Maris Piper and Marfona) are particularly sensitive to taste and textural changes when stored using ethylene. This effect, in well-sealed stores, can be avoided by stopping the build up of Carbon Dioxide (CO2). Always keep stores well ventilated to keep CO2 levels to a minimum.
If you have any concerns with this procedure, we can supply your biofresh Ethylene Management Unit with a CO2 Monitor (as an optional extra) to help manage the process.
Potatoes for processing
If you are storing potatoes for processing applications you should consult the biofresh Technical Support Team before treatment.
Please note that these guidelines are provided in good faith and based on experience to-date. However, BioFresh cannot accept responsibility for any crop failure or damage associated with ethylene treatment of potato stores.