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46 POTATO GROWER | MARCH 2017 Diggin' In Diggin' In Diggin' In Diggin' In Diggin' In Diggin' In SEED | By Nora Olsen & Mary Jo Frazier University of Idaho Kimberly Research & Extension Center Cleaning storages for incoming seed A Higher Standard 162809Baicor13s.indd 1 10/25/16 2:58 PM Chlorpropham (CIPC) is the most commonly used sprout inhibitor for stored potatoes and is associated with most commercial storages. However, seed potato exposure to CIPC can be detrimental to plant emergence and productivity. Contact with CIPC may occur from temporary storage of seed in CIPC-treated facilities. Seed inadvertently contaminated with CIPC may have delayed emergence, and yield losses can result. CIPC residue on seed as low as 0.6 parts per million can result in more than a 30-day delay in emergence and 36 percent decrease in yield. CIPC label restrictions must be closely followed since the removal of treated potatoes before storing seed. Removal and replacement of 2 to 5 centimeters of soil from the floor is also recommended. Seed should not be stored in a building that has been treated with CIPC unless label restrictions are closely followed. Swabbing storage structure surfaces for CIPC residue may indicate the relative contamination level in a building and help ensure the safety of potato seed to be stored there. A study was undertaken to determine if swabbing walls and other areas in commercial and research storage structures following a systematic method could lead to understanding the level of CIPC residue in the structure and the risk of seed contamination. In the study, sterile cotton gauze pads were saturated with isopropyl alcohol and used to swab an area (1 foot square) of various materials and locations within commercial and research storage facilities. CIPC residue swabs were collected before and after cleaning and disinfecting research storages. Research bins were pressure washed with Before using a facility that has previously had CIPC in it for seed potato storage, thorough washing and disinfection of all surfaces is strongly recommended. regarding the cleaning and decontamination procedures necessary for storing seed in a building that has been previously treated with CIPC. After removal of all potatoes and plant debris, washing and disinfection of storages is recommended. Complete and thorough cleaning of all surfaces (i.e., walls, fans, plenums and ducts) is required for seed to be stored in a treated building. Washing with soap and hot water, pressure washing or steam cleaning followed by a disinfectant spray is the recommended procedure for cleaning potato storages after emptying. In addition, six months must have elapsed