For potato storage operators, sprouting is a silent threat. It reduces quality, shortens shelf life, and complicates logistics. But what if we could detect the physiological changes that lead to sprouting before it appears?
That’s the challenge tackled by the DODILOG project, co-funded by Interreg North-West Europe. Researchers and storage operators from France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany are testing two innovative technologies to predict sprouting in stored potatoes: Hyperspectral Imaging (HIS) and Electrophysiological Technology (EPT). These tools could help storage professionals act earlier, reduce waste, and improve product quality.
What is being tested?
📷️ Hyperspectral Imaging (HIS)
The objective is to develop a model for the early detection of potato sprouting. To this end, a database will be created by following the sprouting of tubers from 120 tubers over time. Twice a week, each sprouting eye followed will be visually observed to note the presence or absence of a sprout and will also be analyzed using two hyperspectral cameras:
- Infrared: to study the chemical composition of the sprouting eyes.
- Visible spectrum: to detect chlorophyll production in the sprouting eyes.
Figure: Hyperspectral imaging acquisition protocol for detecting sprouting eyes earlier than the human eye can, @ARVALIS
⚡ Electrophysiological Technology (EPT)
Tubers from different varieties are stored at 4°C and 7°C. In each storage facility, some tubers of the varieties are monitored using Vivent sensors technology to predict sprouting dates. Visual assessments of sprout growth (>2 mm) are conducted twice a month, then twice a week near the predicted date. The test is conducted in single-blind conditions, using only electrical data.
Photo: Potatoes monitored using Vivent technology to predict their sprouting date, @ARVALIS
Where?
The electrophysiological technology is being tested at the ARVALIS station in Villers-Saint-Christophe (France) and the hyperspectral imaging is being tested at Boigneville (France).
Why does it matter for storage operators?
These technologies could:
- Enable early detection of physiological changes before sprouting.
- Support better stock management and reduce losses.
- Help plan treatments and logistics more efficiently.
- Improve product quality.
Follow the results
The DODILOG project is ongoing, and results from these tests will be published soon. Storage professionals are invited to follow the progress on the official DODILOG website.
This work is made possible through the collaboration of partners across North-West Europe, with support from Interreg NWE.