In the production of potatoes, dehaulming is the process of separating the above-ground portion of the potato plant from the root tubers. Dehaulming is one of the pre-harvest techniques used to harden the tuber’s skin and prevent injury from post-harvest handling. The practice is done two weeks before harvesting after the size of tubers needed is reached.
Despite its advantages, dehaulming can help spread viral infections like leaf roll virus.
It is important for growers to prevent this spread by cleaning the equipments used to another field.