Should You Plant Moldy Potatoes?

Potatoes are one of the most commonly consumed vegetables across the world. People grow different types of potatoes for different purposes, including consumption, processing, and trading. However, sometimes you may come across potatoes that are moldy, and you may wonder if you can plant them. So, can you plant moldy potatoes? Let's explore this topic further.

What Causes Potatoes to Mold?

Potatoes are susceptible to mold due to their high starch and moisture content, which creates an ideal environment for mold to grow. The fungus that causes potato mold is called Phytophthora infestans, which thrives in warm, humid climates. The most common type of mold on potatoes is green mold, which is caused by the Penicillium fungus. Green mold appears on the surface of potatoes as a fuzzy, greenish-blue growth.

Is It Safe to Plant Moldy Potatoes?

In general, it is not recommended to plant moldy potatoes. This is because moldy potatoes are likely to be infected with diseases that can affect the growth and yield of your crop. Additionally, moldy potatoes may also contain mycotoxins, which are toxic compounds produced by some species of mold. If mycotoxins are present in a potato, they can cause serious health problems in humans and animals that consume them. Therefore, it's best to avoid planting moldy potatoes altogether.

What Should You Do with Moldy Potatoes?

If you have moldy potatoes, it's best to dispose of them rather than trying to plant them. You can either compost them or dispose of them in the trash. Composting moldy potatoes is safe as long as the compost pile reaches a high enough temperature to kill off any pathogens that may be present. However, if you don't want to take any chances, you can simply throw them away.

How to Prevent Potatoes from Molding?

Prevention is always better than cure, so it's important to take steps to prevent potatoes from molding in the first place. Here are some tips to help you keep your potatoes healthy and mold-free:

Store potatoes in a cool, dry place with good ventilation.

Avoid storing potatoes in plastic bags, as this can cause moisture to build up and promote mold growth.

Inspect potatoes regularly for any signs of mold or rot, and remove any affected potatoes immediately.

Avoid washing potatoes until you're ready to use them, as washing can remove the protective coating that helps prevent mold growth.

Conclusion

In summary, it's not safe or recommended to plant moldy potatoes. Moldy potatoes are likely to be infected with diseases and may contain toxic compounds that can harm humans and animals. Instead of planting moldy potatoes, it's best to dispose of them properly to prevent any potential health hazards. To prevent your potatoes from molding, make sure to store them properly and inspect them regularly for any signs of mold or rot.