Potato producers in the U.S. have a new tool to use to keep potatoes fresher, for a longer period of time, while in storage.

Decco U.S. Post-Harvest Inc. debuted its Decco DMN Aerosol at the 2022 Potato Expo in Anaheim., Ca., Jan. 5-6, the company announced. The product, newly registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency according to the company, is promoted as reducing sprouting, disease, bruising and soft spots on potatoes while reinforcing flesh strength, the company states in the announcement. Decco DMN Aerosol is part of the Fresh Defense product line. 

"Our Fresh Defense products are known for protecting your potato investment from harvest to the processing plant," Shawn Kennedy, US Potato Manager for Decco, said in the announcement. "Now with Decco DMN Aerosol available, Decco can offer a robust Fresh Defense program in conjunction with its CIPC and clove oil products to help protect potatoes in storage."

The active ingredient in Decco DMN Aerosol is 1,4-Dimethylnaphthalene, a conventional solution used in potato storage programs throughout the country, according to CropLife.

Maintaining optimum color and flesh strength in stored potatoes is critical to ensure the uniformity and consistency required for French fries and potato chip processors. Fresh Defense’s portfolio of products, including Decco DMN Aerosol, allows Decco and parent company UPL to provide a better customer experience for the potato grower, storage applicator, and processor. 

"The aim for Decco is to collaborate closer with our crop colleagues at UPL," Boomer Cardinale, US Marketing Director for Decco said. "Under our OpenAg mission, we can truly offer farm-to-fork solutions across the value chain. The addition of Decco DMN Aerosol and our other Fresh Defense storage products will greatly complement the UPL potato programs offered in pre-harvest."