Page 13 - ALG Issue 4 2020

the garden doctor...
Dear Aaron,
I have grown Red Duke of York potatoes, Rocket, Kestrel and Estima early and second early potatoes for many years.
They have all been in the same land, side by side (still have maincrop adjacent to the last Estima row). This year yield has been very good, all tops have been lush and with no problems.
However, the Estima seem to have a problem. Well over 50% were looking far from looking healthy, spuds have gone blotchy, soft and spongy with the skin sliding off. I now wash all my potatoes before storage and thoroughly dry them. I also tried something new; cutting the tops off one row as advised by a neighbour to harden up the skin.
This has not made any difference to stop the deterioration. Historically, Estima have been one of the best ‘keepers’. The weird thing is, that it is only affecting the Estima; the skin goes crispy and splits, the flesh feels soft, but they aren’t deteriorating any further – as yet. I can’t trust them to store so will use these first. They cook up fine.
Look forward to your reply.
Eric
Dear Eric,
It sounds very much like the potato problem could be pink potato rot Phytophthora erythroseptica; Pink rot is caused by soil-borne fungi or fungus-like organisms. According to the https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/ pink-rot to help prevent future problems:
• Use a long rotation
• Do not use any seed
tubers that are unduly soft or have obvious patches of decay
• Harvest in
optimal conditions: too dry can cause damage, too wet can spread disease and leave tubers to dry for several hours after lifting
• Store tubers in dry, cool conditions and check them regularly for rots
Regards,
Aaron
Happy Memories
I was so sad to read in Allotment and Leisure Gardener, Spring 2020, of Maurice Lander’s passing.
Maurice is in the top 10 of gentlemen characters that I will ever meet. I first met him in 2008 when he invited me to do a rock dust garden at BBC Gardeners World 2008, and here he is along with the dear Chris Brown who is also no longer with us.
A couple more photos show Maurice sharing a joke at the same show in 2016.
Happy memories!
Jennifer Brodie
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Allotment and Leisure Gardener 13