Cultivation

April 04, 2022 | Blogs

Decisions at planting: Plant density of the potato field

When planting a potato field, a certain surface area of skin of tuber is planted on which there are a number of eyes. These eyes produce none, one or two sprouts. Nonetheless, the planting rate is not expressed as the number of potentially stem producing sprouts but as the number or seed tubers and a…

March 28, 2022 | Blogs

Decisions at planting: Cutting of seed potatoes

Seed potatoes, whole and cut, are often dusted or sprayed with a pencycuron containing fungicide to protect against black scurf caused by Rhizoctonia solani. The treatment also contributes to the control of silver scurf (Helminthosporium solani) and black dot caused by Colletotrichum coccodes. In the past, mercury compounds were used but this nowadays is forbidden in…

March 07, 2022 | Blogs

Small tubers used as seed in subsistence potato farming

In subsistence farming and in a developing seed system where there is no official certification scheme operating, growers use the small tubers of the harvested crop as seed for the next season.

February 28, 2022 | Blogs

Situation-dependent provenance of seed tubers

The provenance of seed for potato planting is situation-dependent. In temperate climates with cool summers, certified seed is usually grown in the same region as the ware crops. Closer to the equator with spring crops or winter crops, seed is imported annually from temperate regions with the most suitable seed-growing conditions such as from the…

February 21, 2022 | Blogs

Vegetative potato propagation: Rapid multiplication and virus eradication

In rapid multiplication schemes, plants are multiplied by in vitro or in vivo (not in closed tubes or containers) techniques. Cuttings are rooted to allow them to develop into fully grown plants that make tubers, flowers and seeds. Rapid multiplication starts by allowing a tuber to sprout. The top of the sprouts of a few…

February 14, 2022 | Blogs

Decisions influencing the dry matter concentration of tubers

Different outlets have different optimal dry matter concentrations of tubers. The dry matter concentration of table potatoes in general is lower than that of chipping and crisping potatoes whereas that of starch potatoes is highest. The latter is relevant as less transport of water is cost effective and also reduces the quantity of liquid waste…