A decision making scheme for potato quality

A decision making scheme is proposed for integrating and evaluating variables important for judging tuber quality in the potato industry. Within the scheme, variables affecting potato quality are grouped into categories according to their mutual association in a decision, and their values are rated according to a common linear scale. Expert opinions, as to which range of variable values ensure “commercially acceptable” and “ideal” potato quality, were superimposed as shaded areas over the numerical ratings. Observations of variables used in a decision can be compared to values delineated by experts to judge whether sampled potatoes would be acceptable for commercial use. The scheme is designed to be utilized at various points in the life cycle of a potato from field to market. It is demonstrated for one variety of sampled tubers that were being stored for chip processing.