Finding the hidden knocks with SmartSpud

Mechanical bruising remains one of the potato industry’s most persistent sources of quality loss. While external damage is often visible, internal bruising can remain undetected until potatoes reach the processor, retailer or consumer. The result is reduced marketable yield, financial losses, and wasted production inputs.

A recent Western Australian demonstration project has shown how an innovative monitoring tool can help growers and processors identify exactly where these damaging impacts occur. Using a potato-shaped electronic sensor known as the SmartSpud, researchers measured impact forces throughout the harvest and post-harvest supply chain, providing practical recommendations to reduce bruising and improve water use efficiency.

SmartSpud in reject bin