Interview Questions for Seed Potato Handling and Storage Techniques

Optimal seed potato storage hinges on maintaining a precise balance of temperature and humidity. Think of it like Goldilocks and the Three Bears – it needs to be just right!

The ideal temperature range is generally between 2°C and 4°C (35°F and 39°F). Temperatures above this can lead to sprouting and increased respiration, depleting the potato’s energy reserves and reducing its viability. Conversely, temperatures below this can cause chilling injury, resulting in internal damage and reduced yield.

Humidity should be maintained between 90% and 95%. High humidity helps prevent excessive shriveling or weight loss, while maintaining a slightly lower humidity (below 95%) helps to mitigate disease development. Think of it like a well-hydrated but not waterlogged sponge.

Regular monitoring of both temperature and humidity using accurate sensors is crucial for maintaining optimal storage conditions. Variations outside this range, even for short periods, can negatively impact the seed potatoes’ quality.

Seed potato curing is a critical post-harvest process that involves healing wounds and reducing the risk of disease. Imagine it as a natural healing process for the potatoes after harvest.

Immediately after harvest, seed potatoes have small cuts and bruises from harvesting. Curing is done at a slightly higher temperature (10-15°C or 50-59°F) and high relative humidity (90-95%) for about 10-14 days. This allows for the wounds to heal over, forming a protective layer that prevents the entry of pathogens. It also activates the potato’s natural defense mechanisms.

Proper curing not only reduces disease incidence but also improves the potatoes’ storability and overall quality for planting. Potatoes that undergo proper curing exhibit better germination and higher yields compared to those that don’t.

Seed potatoes are susceptible to a range of diseases and pests that can severely impact yield and quality. Think of it as a constant battle against nature.

• Common Diseases: Late blight (Phytophthora infestans), common scab (Streptomyces scabies), blackleg (Pectobacterium atrosepticum), and viruses (e.g., Potato virus Y, PVY).
• Common Pests: Potato cyst nematodes (Globodera rostochiensis and Globodera pallida), Colorado potato beetles (Leptinotarsa decemlineata), and aphids.

Disease and Pest Management:

• Sanitation: Clean equipment, rotate crops, and remove infected plants.
• Disease-resistant varieties: Plant cultivars bred for resistance to common diseases and pests.
• Chemical controls: Use registered pesticides and fungicides according to label instructions. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies are vital for minimizing chemical use and environmental impact.
• Biological control: Employing beneficial insects and nematodes to control pests is an environmentally friendly approach.
• Seed health certification: Procure seed potatoes from certified sources that undergo rigorous inspections to ensure freedom from diseases and pests.

Grading and sorting are essential steps for ensuring uniform seed potato quality. Think of it as quality control for your future crop.

The process typically involves:

1. Size grading: Seed potatoes are sorted based on size using various grading machines to ensure uniform planting density and consistent maturity.
2. Visual inspection: Potatoes are carefully examined for external defects such as bruising, cuts, disease symptoms, and blemishes. Damaged or diseased potatoes are removed.
3. Internal inspection: This step is optional but ideal for higher quality seed, often involving cutting a small sample to check for internal defects.
4. Disease testing: Advanced systems can further detect pathogens and viruses for high-quality seed certification.
5. Packaging: Sorted and graded potatoes are then packaged for storage and distribution. They often are bagged by size to help farmers with planting.

Efficient grading and sorting not only reduce losses but also improve the overall quality and uniformity of the crop, leading to increased yields and profitability.

Several storage structures are used for seed potatoes, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The optimal choice depends on factors such as scale of operation, climate, and budget.

• Common Storage Structures:
• Conventional Warehouses: Large-scale facilities offering climate control, but require significant investment and energy.
• Cold Stores: Provide precise temperature control but can be costly to build and operate, as well as energy intensive.
• Earth-covered storage: These offer natural temperature stability, reduced energy use, but require significant initial construction and are susceptible to moisture and pest problems.
• Simple storage sheds: Cost-effective but offer limited temperature and humidity control, making them unsuitable for long-term storage.

Considerations: The choice of structure often involves balancing initial investment, ongoing operational costs, and the level of climate control necessary to maintain seed potato quality.

Proper ventilation is paramount for maintaining optimal temperature and humidity levels within a seed potato storage facility. Think of it as the respiratory system of your potato storage.

Several strategies ensure proper ventilation:

• Natural ventilation: Using strategically placed vents and openings to facilitate air circulation; effectiveness depends heavily on climatic conditions.
• Forced-air ventilation: Employing fans to circulate air, offering greater control over temperature and humidity, especially in larger facilities.
• Temperature and humidity monitoring: Regular monitoring with sensors to ensure effective ventilation and adjust settings as needed.
• Airflow management: Designing the storage facility to encourage proper airflow patterns, preventing stagnant air pockets where condensation and disease can develop.
• Air filtration: Filtering incoming air can prevent the introduction of airborne pathogens.

The specific ventilation system should be tailored to the size of the storage facility and the prevailing climate to effectively maintain optimal conditions throughout the storage period.

Selecting high-quality seed potatoes is the cornerstone of a successful potato crop. It’s like choosing the right foundation for a house – the better the foundation, the stronger the structure.

Critical factors to consider include:

• Source: Choose reputable suppliers with a history of providing high-quality, disease-free seed potatoes.
• Certification: Opt for certified seed potatoes that have undergone rigorous testing to ensure freedom from major diseases and pests. Certification programs help ensure your potatoes are healthy.
• Variety: Select varieties suitable for your region’s climate, soil type, and intended market. Consider factors like disease resistance and yield potential.
• Size and shape: Uniform size and shape are ideal for efficient planting and consistent maturity. Smaller seed potatoes require more time to grow.
• Health: Carefully inspect potatoes for any signs of disease, pest damage, or physical defects. Avoid those with discoloration, cuts, or other blemishes.
• Storage history: Inquire about the storage conditions of the seed potatoes to ensure they have been properly maintained.

By carefully considering these factors, growers can greatly enhance the chances of obtaining a high-yielding and profitable crop.

Seed potato certification is a crucial process that ensures the quality and health of seed potatoes before planting. It’s like getting a health check-up for your potato crop before you invest time and resources. Certification programs, run by government agencies or private organizations, rigorously inspect seed potato crops throughout their growing cycle, evaluating them for diseases, viruses, and other issues that could impact the harvest.

The significance lies in minimizing disease transmission and maximizing yield. Using certified seed potatoes dramatically reduces the risk of introducing diseases into a field, leading to healthier plants, higher yields, and better quality potatoes. This certification provides growers with a guarantee of quality, helping them avoid potentially devastating losses associated with disease outbreaks. It also fosters confidence in the market, facilitating trade and ensuring that buyers receive healthy planting material.

Several methods exist for treating seed potatoes to prevent disease. These methods aim to eliminate or reduce pathogen populations before planting. A common approach is seed treatment with fungicides. These chemicals, applied as a dip or spray, protect tubers from soilborne pathogens.

Another crucial method is hot-water treatment. Submerging seed potatoes in water heated to a specific temperature for a precise duration kills certain pathogens without harming the potato itself. It’s a precise process that requires careful temperature control.

Solarization is a more environmentally friendly method where potatoes are exposed to sunlight. The high temperatures created within a covered area help control some diseases.

Finally, the careful selection of disease-resistant potato varieties is a key preventive measure. Choosing certified seed from disease-resistant cultivars significantly reduces the risk of disease outbreaks.

Identifying and handling seed potatoes with physical damage or bruising is crucial to avoid disease transmission and yield reduction. During inspection, I look for any signs of cuts, bruises, or other physical damage. Seed potatoes showing significant damage are usually culled.

Minor damage might be tolerated depending on the extent and nature of the injury. However, even minor injuries provide entry points for pathogens. Such potatoes might be segregated for use in a less critical planting area or potentially treated with a wound sealant to minimize infection risk. The handling process involves careful sorting, minimizing rough contact during storage, and utilizing appropriate containers to prevent additional damage. Imagine it like handling delicate fruit – gentle and careful movement is essential.

Improper seed potato handling significantly impacts crop yield. Damage during harvesting, storage, or planting can increase disease incidence and reduce plant vigor. This leads to poor germination rates, reduced plant stand, and lower yields overall. For example, bruises can act as entry points for pathogens like bacteria and fungi, ultimately impacting the plant’s ability to photosynthesize and produce tubers.

Furthermore, improper storage conditions, like fluctuating temperatures and excessive humidity, can promote disease development and sprouting, thereby weakening the seed potato and decreasing its planting potential. I’ve seen firsthand how neglect during handling can translate to a 20-30% reduction in yield in extreme cases. It’s a costly mistake that can easily be avoided with proper care.

Seed potato planting is directly influenced by storage practices. Proper storage ensures that the seed potatoes arrive at planting time with optimal physiological conditions. The storage period aims to maintain dormancy while preventing excessive sprout development.

Prior to planting, seed potatoes are usually inspected to remove any that show signs of decay or extensive sprouting. Planting depth, spacing, and techniques vary depending on the variety and soil conditions. Seed potatoes stored correctly are more likely to germinate uniformly, resulting in a more even crop stand and maximizing yield potential. A poorly stored potato, on the other hand, might lead to uneven germination, weak plants, and significant yield loss.

My experience with inventory management in seed potato storage involves detailed record-keeping and regular stock checks. We use a computerized inventory system to track the quantity, variety, and origin of each seed potato lot. This system helps manage stock rotation, ensuring that the oldest potatoes are used first to minimize the risk of deterioration.

We also conduct regular physical inspections to identify any potential problems such as spoilage, sprouting, or pest infestation. This allows us to take proactive measures to mitigate losses and maintain the quality of the seed potatoes. Regular audits and detailed reports are also a critical part of our inventory management strategy to maintain accuracy and meet quality control standards. This helps in better forecasting and supply chain management.

Monitoring and controlling sprout development in stored seed potatoes is essential to maintain their planting quality. Sprouting uses up the stored energy reserves of the potato, reducing its vigor and yield potential upon planting.

We control sprouting through careful temperature and humidity management in storage facilities. Low temperatures (around 2-4°C) are ideal for inhibiting sprouting. Humidity is also closely monitored to prevent dehydration and rotting. Proper ventilation is crucial to maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels. In some cases, sprout inhibitors may be used to chemically suppress sprouting, though this should be done carefully according to regulations. Regular inspections allow for early identification and mitigation of excessive sprouting, and often involve assessing the size and number of sprouts on a sample basis.

Seed potato suitability hinges on several key quality parameters, ensuring the production of a healthy and high-yielding crop. These parameters can be broadly categorized into health, physical characteristics, and varietal purity.

• Health: This is paramount and involves assessing the absence of diseases like bacterial ring rot, potato cyst nematodes, viruses (e.g., PVY, PVX), and fungal pathogens. Visual inspection, laboratory testing (ELISA, PCR), and sometimes even field inspections of the source field are crucial. A healthy seed potato is free from any visible blemishes or signs of disease.
• Physical Characteristics: Size and shape are important. Seed potatoes need to be large enough to produce sufficient sprouts (typically 35-55mm in diameter depending on variety) yet small enough to be easily planted. Uniformity in size is also desirable for consistent planting depth and emergence. The tubers should be firm, free from damage (bruises, cuts), and exhibit well-developed eyes.
• Varietal Purity: Seed potatoes must be true to type, meaning they are genetically consistent with the declared variety. This is especially critical for maintaining desired characteristics like yield, disease resistance, and market quality. Varietal purity is ensured through stringent selection processes and certification schemes.

For example, a seed potato exhibiting symptoms like blackening inside or soft rot would immediately be rejected, indicating serious disease issues.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in seed potato production is a holistic approach that aims to minimize pest and disease damage while minimizing reliance on chemical pesticides. It involves a combination of preventative measures and targeted interventions.

• Preventative Measures: This includes selecting disease-resistant varieties, utilizing certified seed potatoes, rotating crops to break pest cycles, proper field sanitation (removing infected plants), and optimizing planting conditions (soil type, drainage).
• Monitoring and Scouting: Regular field inspections are crucial to detect pests and diseases early. This allows for timely intervention before infestations escalate. This could involve visual inspection, use of traps, and soil sampling.
• Biological Control: Introducing natural enemies of pests, such as beneficial insects or nematodes, can help control populations. For example, using specific predatory mites against spider mites.
• Cultural Practices: Practices such as adjusting planting density, optimizing irrigation, and proper fertilization can affect pest susceptibility.
• Chemical Control (as a last resort): If other methods fail, targeted chemical applications are used only when absolutely necessary and only with approved pesticides, following strict label guidelines to minimize environmental impact.

Imagine a scenario where potato blight threatens a field. IPM would involve first assessing the severity of the infestation, then potentially applying a biopesticide, along with adjusting irrigation to reduce humidity (a factor that promotes blight). Chemical intervention might be a last resort, focusing on affected areas only, rather than blanket spraying the entire field.

Managing risks in seed potato storage requires a multi-pronged approach, addressing various threats.

• Fire Prevention: This includes regular inspections of electrical wiring, ensuring proper ventilation to avoid overheating, and having readily accessible fire extinguishers, and fire suppression systems. A strict no-smoking policy within storage facilities is essential. Ideally, storage facilities should be built with fire-resistant materials.
• Spoilage Prevention: Proper curing (allowing the potatoes to heal after harvest), maintaining optimal temperature and humidity (typically around 4°C and 90-95% relative humidity), and ensuring good air circulation are critical. Regular inspection for signs of disease or decay is necessary. Early identification and removal of affected tubers prevents further spread. Storage containers should be well-ventilated, ideally with palletization to allow for air circulation between bags or boxes. We utilize regular monitoring of temperature and humidity through sensors in multiple locations.
• Pest Control: Storage facilities should be designed to minimize pest access (sealed walls, screens on vents). Regular pest monitoring and fumigation (if necessary) may be necessary depending on the pests present in the region.

In my experience, a well-maintained and properly ventilated cold storage greatly reduces the risk of both fire and spoilage. A proactive approach is crucial, involving regular preventative checks and immediate action if problems arise.

(Note: Regulations and standards vary significantly by region. The following is a general example and should not be considered legal advice. You need to consult the specific regulations in your area.)

Seed potato handling and storage are often governed by national and regional regulations, aimed at ensuring the quality and health of the seed potatoes and preventing the spread of diseases. These regulations typically cover aspects such as:

• Seed Potato Certification: Strict guidelines are established for producing certified seed potatoes, involving inspections of growing fields, and post-harvest handling.
• Storage Requirements: Regulations may specify temperature and humidity requirements during storage, and pest control methods.
• Disease Control: Regulations may mandate specific measures to prevent the spread of diseases, including quarantine procedures for imported seed potatoes.
• Traceability: Clear traceability systems are often required, with documentation at each stage of the supply chain.
• Packaging and Labeling: Specific requirements may exist regarding the packaging and labeling of seed potatoes, including information on variety, origin, and certification status.

Non-compliance can lead to penalties, including rejection of seed potatoes, and fines.

I’ve had extensive experience with a variety of seed potato storage containers, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

• Bulk Storage: This involves storing potatoes in large bins or piles, often in cold storage facilities. It’s cost-effective for large-scale operations but requires careful management to ensure proper ventilation and temperature control.
• Bags: Mesh or plastic bags are commonly used for storing seed potatoes, allowing for some air circulation. These are relatively inexpensive and easy to handle but can be susceptible to damage and pest infestation if not stored correctly.
• Boxes: Wooden or plastic crates offer better protection against mechanical damage and can facilitate better air circulation compared to bags. They are more costly but offer increased protection and ease of handling.
• Specialized Containers: Some operations use climate-controlled containers or modified shipping containers offering superior temperature and humidity control. These offer the best protection but are significantly more expensive.

The choice of container depends on factors such as the scale of operation, budget constraints, and desired level of protection for the seed potatoes.

Traceability is crucial in the seed potato supply chain to ensure the quality and origin of the seed potatoes can be tracked. This is achieved through a combination of methods:

• Unique Identification Numbers: Each batch of seed potatoes receives a unique identification number, traceable throughout the entire process from planting to storage and distribution.
• Record Keeping: Detailed records are kept at each stage, including field location, planting date, harvesting date, storage conditions, and distribution details.
• Electronic Databases: Many operations utilize electronic databases to track seed potatoes, allowing for quick access to information and efficient management. This can include information on the health testing conducted on the batch.
• Certification Systems: Certified seed potato systems often include built-in traceability mechanisms, ensuring that the history of the seed potatoes is documented throughout the process.
• Barcodes and RFID Tags: Barcodes or RFID tags can be incorporated into the packaging to automate tracking of seed potato movement.

If a problem arises with a specific batch of seed potatoes (e.g., disease detection), traceability allows for rapid identification of the source and other batches that may be affected, minimizing further impact.

Discovering widespread disease in stored seed potatoes is a serious situation requiring immediate action.

1. Assessment: First, the extent of the disease needs to be carefully assessed. This involves determining the specific disease, the percentage of affected tubers, and the severity of the infection.
2. Containment: Isolate the affected batch to prevent the spread of disease to healthy potatoes. This may involve moving the infected batch to a separate storage area or discarding it entirely depending on the severity and containment feasibility.
3. Disease Identification: Laboratory testing is critical to identify the specific disease, enabling informed decision-making about the best course of action. This may involve sending samples to a plant pathology laboratory.
4. Disposal: Depending on the disease and regulations, the affected potatoes may need to be destroyed through methods such as incineration or deep burial, to prevent further spread of the pathogen.
5. Notification: Relevant authorities (plant health inspectors) should be notified immediately. This ensures that appropriate steps can be taken to prevent wider spread of the disease.
6. Investigation: Investigate the source of the problem. This might involve reviewing storage conditions, examining the source field, and re-evaluating handling practices to identify weaknesses in the system and prevent recurrence.

In summary, a rapid, decisive response is vital, involving immediate containment, proper identification, and appropriate disposal procedures to mitigate further losses and prevent wider spread of the disease.

Minimizing seed potato losses during storage hinges on a multi-pronged approach targeting disease prevention, proper temperature and humidity control, and meticulous handling. Think of it like preserving a precious resource – you need to protect it from all angles.

• Disease Control: Preventing diseases like late blight and common scab is crucial. This involves careful selection of disease-free seed potatoes, proper curing, and potentially using sprout suppressants. For example, ensuring that storage facilities are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between seasons is paramount.

• Environmental Control: Maintaining the ideal temperature and humidity is key. Seed potatoes ideally should be stored in a dark, well-ventilated environment, typically between 2°C and 4°C (35°F and 39°F) with relative humidity around 90-95%. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can lead to sprouting, rotting, and chilling injury, so consistent monitoring is essential. We use automated monitoring systems to help maintain ideal storage conditions in our facilities.

• Careful Handling: Avoiding bruising and physical damage during handling is vital. This means using appropriate equipment, such as gentle conveyors and avoiding dropping or rough handling of the tubers. We train our staff rigorously on proper handling techniques.

• Ventilation: Maintaining good air circulation prevents the buildup of moisture and ethylene gas, which can promote disease and sprouting.

Technology plays a significant role in optimizing seed potato handling and storage. We utilize various technologies to enhance efficiency, reduce losses, and improve quality.

• Automated Storage Systems: We use climate-controlled storage facilities equipped with sensors that monitor temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels. These systems provide real-time data and automatically adjust ventilation and cooling to maintain optimal conditions. Imagine a smart home for your potatoes!

• Grading and Sorting Equipment: Automated systems allow for efficient grading and sorting of seed potatoes based on size, shape, and visual quality. This ensures uniformity and helps eliminate substandard tubers early on, minimizing losses during storage and planting. We’ve seen a significant increase in efficiency thanks to this equipment.

• Data Management Systems: Sophisticated software helps us track seed potato inventory, storage conditions, and treatment history throughout the entire process. This provides valuable data for optimizing our strategies and improving decision-making. For example, we can easily identify which storage conditions yielded the best outcomes for different potato varieties.

Seed potato treatments aim to control diseases, suppress sprouting, and enhance storage life. The choice of treatment depends on several factors including the specific disease pressure, variety of potato, and storage duration.

• Chemical Treatments: These include sprout inhibitors like chlorpropham (CIPC) or maleic hydrazide (MH), which are applied to prevent sprouting during storage. Fungicides can also be used to control certain diseases. However, these must be applied carefully and according to regulations to avoid residues.

• Biological Treatments: These utilize beneficial microorganisms to control diseases. For example, certain bacteria or fungi can suppress the growth of pathogens. Biological control offers a more environmentally friendly approach. This is an area of growing interest and research.

• Physical Treatments: These methods include proper curing after harvest to reduce moisture content and enhance disease resistance. Maintaining optimal storage temperature and humidity is also a critical physical treatment.

The effectiveness of each treatment varies, and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies often provide the best outcomes. This involves combining multiple approaches for maximum control and minimizing reliance on any single method.

Proper documentation and record-keeping are fundamental to successful seed potato storage and traceability. Imagine trying to solve a mystery without any clues – detailed records are your investigative tools in ensuring optimal quality and minimizing losses.

• Seed Source: Records should document the origin of the seed potatoes, including the grower, variety, and any pre-planting treatments.

• Storage Conditions: Detailed information on temperature, humidity, ventilation, and any treatments applied during storage must be documented. We maintain electronic logs that continuously record these parameters.

• Treatment History: Any chemical or biological treatments administered to the seed potatoes need to be carefully recorded, including the date, type of treatment, and application method.

• Inventory Management: Accurate inventory tracking allows for efficient stock management and prevents shortages or losses due to spoilage. We use barcode scanners and digital inventory management systems.

• Quality Assessment: Regular inspections and assessments of seed potato quality should be documented, including observations of any signs of disease or damage.

These records are critical for ensuring compliance with regulations, identifying potential problems, and improving storage practices over time.

Assessing seed potato viability before planting is crucial for a successful harvest. It’s like checking the health of your seedlings before transplanting them into your garden.

• Visual Inspection: Carefully examine the seed potatoes for signs of disease, damage, or sprouting. Discard any tubers that show signs of decay, rot, or bruising.

• Germination Test: A germination test provides a more quantitative assessment of viability. This involves selecting a sample of tubers, placing them under suitable conditions for sprouting, and then counting the number of tubers that successfully sprout. We use standardized germination test protocols that give reliable estimates.

• Disease Testing: Depending on the potential disease risks in the area, laboratory testing may be conducted to detect the presence of specific pathogens. This can help prevent the introduction and spread of diseases.

A combination of visual inspection and germination testing gives a comprehensive assessment of seed potato viability, allowing for informed decisions on planting material and planting density.

Maintaining hygiene and sanitation in a seed potato storage facility is essential to prevent the spread of diseases and maintain seed quality. Think of it like maintaining a clean and sterile operating room for your potatoes.

• Facility Cleaning: Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the storage facility is crucial between storage seasons. This includes removing all debris, cleaning walls, floors, and equipment, and applying appropriate disinfectants. We use approved disinfectants and follow strict cleaning protocols.

• Pest Control: Implementing an integrated pest management (IPM) program to control rodents, insects, and other pests is vital. This helps prevent damage to the seed potatoes and reduces the spread of diseases. We use traps and monitoring systems to prevent pest infestations.

• Rodent Control: Rodents can transmit diseases and cause significant damage to the seed potatoes, so proper rodent control measures are essential. This could involve using traps or other appropriate methods.

• Ventilation: Maintaining good airflow reduces the risk of moisture buildup, which can promote the growth of fungi and bacteria.

• Personnel Hygiene: Employees should be trained on proper hygiene practices, including hand washing, to minimize the risk of introducing pathogens into the storage facility.

By adhering to strict hygiene and sanitation protocols, we significantly reduce the risk of disease transmission and maintain the high quality of our seed potatoes throughout the storage period.

Seed potato pre-planting treatments are essential for optimizing seed health and yield. These treatments are applied just before planting to further enhance the seed’s ability to establish healthy plants and produce a bountiful harvest. It’s like giving your plants a pre-race tune-up.

• Seed Treatment with Fungicides: Application of fungicides can help control soilborne diseases that could affect the emerging plants. This is particularly important in regions with high disease pressure.

• Seed Treatment with Insecticides: Treating seed potatoes with insecticides can help control soilborne insects that could damage the tubers or young plants. This can prevent early losses and promote healthy growth.

• Growth Regulators: These can be applied to encourage early and vigorous growth and development, which can enhance yields.

• Biological Treatments: Applying beneficial microorganisms before planting can help improve plant health and disease resistance. They can enhance nutrient uptake and promote root development.

The specific pre-planting treatment will depend on the variety of potato, the prevalent diseases and pests in the area, and the desired outcome. These treatments, when used correctly, are an important component of increasing yield and minimizing crop losses.