Cultivation

March 28, 2022 | Blogs

Decisions at planting: Cutting of seed potatoes

Seed potatoes, whole and cut, are often dusted or sprayed with a 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 most countries.…

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…

February 07, 2022 | Blogs

Cracks, fissures and clefts: different appearances of external tuber disorders

Tuber cracks, fissures and clefts have different appearances following different causes. They are healed wounds but clearly visible as scars on the surface. These healed fissures are generally oriented in the length direction of the tubers and are more present at the rose end than at the bud end of the tuber. They are triggered…