The theme for the second day of the 2011 International Potato Processing and Storage Convention in Denver, Colorado (June 22), ranged from working with genes to control potato growth in storage through to using ‘green' technology for processing and keeping your company sustainable to keep the customers satisfied.

Speakers from The Netherlands, Nigeria, India, the United States and Canada addressed delegates on a wide variety of matters.

Monique van Wordragen told the audience of research to obtain optimal quality control through gene activity profiling; Gefu Wang-Pruski looked at gene activity and other factors affecting potato quality while Bill Fry looked at pathogen migration and the support systems needed to control blight.

Balu Nayak gave details of a study into antioxidant compounds and the qualities of coloured potatoes (like the purple varieties) and research scientist Nora Olsen looked at ways to control sugar (sucrose and glucose) in storage.

Vacuum drip washing, said Tony Bello, could help control greening in potatoes while Paul Halberstadt, of Conagra Foods Lamb Weston detailed what his company was doing to be sustainable and promote its green qualities.

Highlights of the third day's programme will be on this site later. A full report will appear in the next issue of Potato Processing International.