Late planting and slow emergence of potatoes in cold wet conditions could leave crops more exposed to the effects of stress at the all-important tuber initiation stage this season, warns Syngenta Technical Manager, Andy Cunningham.
“Research has shown that tuber initiation is one of the key points that potato plants can be impacted by stress,” he reported. “That could be further compounded this year if it coincides with the onset of warm weather in late May or early June. Studies have shown that routinely applying Quantis biostimulant at tuber initiation can help reduce stress on potato plants. It’s proven effects on temperature stress will be especially relevant this season.”
“Potato growers and agronomists will need to nurse them through with all the tools available, including nutrition, irrigation, blight protection and biostimulants to alleviate stress,” he advised.
Crop research at the James Hutton Institute highlighted: “Temperature has a pronounced effect on the formation of potato tubers: when the temperature is too high, potato plants form less or no tubers, which can greatly decrease yields.”
