A new option is available for long term storage of root crops.

"It was discovered, almost 10 years ago, that exposing potatoes and onions to low levels of ethylene gas, helped prevent them from sprouting," explained Jim Still of Global Cooling Inc., the manufacturer of the sensor and controller package.

"To date, there has only been one competitor that offered a sensor and system to accomplish this type of controlled storage," he continued. "It is good for everyone and the industry as a whole when there is more than one supplier."

The core of Global's offering is a patented sensor element, which detects extremely low levels of ethylene gas. It is accurate to 1 part per million of ethylene gas.

"Most reassuringly," said Still, "our sensor is guaranteed for two years. We have used them in our own ripening rooms for almost three years now, and can say with confidence that they are extremely accurate and reliable."