Post Harvest Tests

Post-harvest tests (PHT) are conducted annually by PCAN to assess seed quality and to ensure standards are met as agreed upon in the Nebraska seed potato Rules and Regulations. These tests are used to detect the amount of current season spread of virus and other diseases masked under Nebraska conditions.  Samples for post-harvest testing are to be sent to the PCAN office no later than October 15.

Requirements for sending and collecting PHT samples

• Tubers should be selected at random from the field, harvester, conveyor or storage unit from which they have been pulled.
• Individual seed pieces should be roughly the size of a golf ball, about 1 7/8” to 2”. This makes planting easier and reduces freight costs.
• Do not send seed that is rotten, deteriorating, damaged or too large.
• Samples should be properly labeled. One tag should be attached to the outside of each bag, and another tag placed inside. Grower name, harvest date, lot/field number, tuber number, crop year and variety should be included on each tag.

Minimum number of tubers according to lot size

• 0 to 1 acre: 125
• 1 to 10 acres: 250
• 10 to 70 acres: 500
• 70+ acres: 1,000
• FY0 lots too small to sample (2,000 pounds or less) are not required to be post-harvest tested if they are to be recertified in the state of Nebraska.