Potato scarification is a critical step in agricultural practice to help potatoes ripen and facilitate harvesting. By specifically killing the potato haulm, tuber development can be completed, resulting in improved tuber quality. This is particularly important to protect potatoes from damage during harvest and to ensure longer storage life.

Traditionally, chemical agents have been used for this process, but electrical desiccation is becoming increasingly important as a sustainable alternative. This method reduces the use of chemicals and helps protect the environment.