The event Mid-Storage Health Check: Diagnosing and Managing Problems — Hosted by NAPSO & Spud Smart is a specialized webinar scheduled for December 17 at 10:00 AM PST. It is designed for professionals involved in potato storage, including growers, storage managers, agronomists, and supply-chain specialists.
Two distinguished experts will headline the session:
Featured Speakers
Dr. Sastry Jayanty
Dr. Sastry Jayanty - Professor and Extension Specialist, Postharvest Biology Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Colorado State University
Dr. Jayanty specializes in postharvest potato biology, with research focused on physiological disorders, nutritional properties, and quality factors influenced by pre- and postharvest conditions. His recent scientific contributions include studies on selenium accumulation in potatoes, acrylamide reduction in fried products, and characterization of antidiabetic compounds in vegetables. His expertise offers valuable insights into optimizing storage conditions to preserve nutritional and processing quality.
Dr. Amanda Gevens
Dr. Amanda Gevens - Professor, Extension Specialist, and Associate Chair, University of Wisconsin-Madison
With over 16 years of service in potato and vegetable pathology, Dr. Gevens is internationally recognized for her work in pathogen ecology and integrated disease management. She oversees the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program and has delivered more than 500 presentations to the state’s industry alone. Her prolific academic output includes 60+ refereed publications, 90+ peer-reviewed technical reports, 60+ trade journal articles, and contributions to more than 2,500 extension documents. She also leads the widely followed UW-Madison Vegetable Crop Updates newsletter.
This event aims to equip the potato industry with crucial knowledge and tools to maintain optimal storage quality during the critical mid-storage period.
What Participants Will Learn
Attendees can expect actionable guidance on:
- Balancing CO₂ and humidity in partially filled and full storage units
- Detecting condensation, air leaks, and wet floor issues linked to airflow mismanagement
- Recognizing early symptoms of soft rot, pink rot, Fusarium dry rot, and pressure bruising
- Applying diagnostic skills through real-world case studies and visual examples from field specialists
This webinar is designed to provide practical, evidence-based tools to safeguard potato quality, enhance storage efficiency, and minimize mid-season losses.
