Page 19 - ALG Issue 1 2017

Cultivation
Coming from South America the potato needs warmth to ourish. A common mistake is planting the seed tubers in
soil that is too cold. The optimum soil temperature range for the best tuber development is between 15C/20C (59F/68F). Although the air temperature
may be comfortably warm to you, the soil temperature may be too cold to safely plant the seed potatoes, so it is safer to test the temperature with a soil thermometer before commencing planting. Wet soils are cold and will delay early growth, checking the plants, thus extending the period the potatoes will take to be ready for harvesting.
Common Diseases
Late potato blight – probably the most common disease problem and is worse in warmer, wetter summers. The condition usually appears during late July and August. There isn’t a fungicide available to the amateur gardener to control blight. If blight is reported in your area, try and cut down all of the haulm foliage to soil level before you have an attack. Draw soil over the top of the cut shoots as a little extra protection. There are also blight resistant strains of potato available. (See list below.)
Tuber splitting – uctuations in soil moisture content will lead to uneven swelling of the tubers and cause malformation and splitting.
Even a small variation in the soil moisture levels can bring on the conditions. Regular watering is essential during the swelling period of the tubers. Mulching between the rows can help to preserve moisture.
Scab – a correct pH and fertile soil will help to prevent most skin disorders and improve the condition of the potato skin. Always handle potatoes with care to avoid bruising the tubers as that may set off later rots. Regular watering will also help to prevent scab. This affects the appearance of the skin but not the eating qualities of the tubers.
Some recommended cultivars:
Early – ‘Casablanca’ *+~,’Epicure’ *, ‘Winston’ *+~
Second early – ‘Gemson’ *+~, ‘Nadine’ *+~, ‘Kestrel’ *+
Main crop – ‘Pink Gypsy’+, ‘Sarpo Mira’ *+,’Picasso’ *+~
Salad
Early -‘Anya’ *+,
Second early - ‘Charlotte’ * +, ‘Belle de Fontenay’, ’Jazzy’ *+~
Key
*Blight resistance
+ Scab resistance
~ Eelworm resistance
Mike Thurlow
Bayer • Scott’s Miracle Gro • Mr Fothergill’s • Clover • Humax • Gro-Well • Maxicrop • JBA Seed Potatoes • H Smith Plastics
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www.gro-welldirect.co.uk
Tel: 01773 742847
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Gro-Well is the trading name of Codnor Horticultural (Wholesale) Supplies Ltd • Email: info@gro-welldirect.co.uk
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