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Potato growing guide

Recommended types:

Starter Fertilization

1. Introduction

The potato (Solanum tuberosum) belongs to the Solanaceae family and is one of the most important cultivated plants worldwide. It is cultivated mainly for its tubers, which are a source of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins (C and B6) and minerals (Potassium, Magnesium).

Key Features:

  • Origin: The potato originates from the Andes of South America.
  • Cultivation Season: It can be cultivated in both winter and summer seasons.
  • Cultivation Duration: 90–150 days, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
  • Adaptability: Grows in temperate and cool semi-arid climates with good access to water.
  • Propagation: It is done through tubers (parts or whole potatoes).

Potato is a strategically important crop due to its high productivity and great commercial value.

  1. Nutritional Value:
  • Source of energy through carbohydrates.
  • It contains vitamins and minerals, essential for human nutrition.
  • Low fat content, making it suitable for a balanced diet.
  1. Economic Importance:
  • Potatoes are a processable product, suitable for the food industry (e.g., potato chips, French fries).
  • It provides significant employment to farmers, workers and distribution businesses.
  • It is exported to international markets, strengthening the trade balance.
  1. Climatic and Environmental Significance:
  • It has high water efficiency and resistance to stress conditions, making it suitable for dry-thermal areas.
  • It is suitable for crop rotation, improving soil structure.
  1. Production in Greece:
  • Potatoes are grown mainly in Thessaly, Western Macedonia, Achaia and Ilia.
  • Annual production covers both domestic needs and exports.
  • Varieties adapted to the country’s soil and climatic conditions are being developed.

2. Botanical Characteristics and Physiology

The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) belongs to the Solanaceae family, which also includes other important plants, such as the tomato and the pepper.

  • Botanical Classification:
    • Kingdom: Plantae
    • Family: Solanaceae
    • Genus: Solanum
    • Species: Solanum tuberosum L.

Key Features:

  • Annual plant in practice, but perennial in nature.
  • It grows with underground tubers, which constitute the commercial product.
  • The foliage is dark green, while the flowers appear in clusters.
  • Its root system is shallow, but extensive.
  • Root Type: Fibrous and superficial.
  • Growth Depth: 30–60 cm, with the majority of roots in the upper 30 cm.
  • Operation:
    • Absorption of water and nutrients.
    • Stabilization of the plant in the ground.
  • Special Features:
    • Sensitive to flooding conditions and poor drainage.
    • High response to aerated soils with good moisture.

Shoots:

  • They come from the eyes (buds) of the tubers.
  • They create new tubers from stolons.

Leaves:

  • Compound and alternating, with a deep green color.
  • They enhance photosynthesis for tuber development.
  • Rich in stomata for gas exchange.

Flowers:

  • They appear in groups (shadows) at the tops of the shoots.
  • Color: White, purple or pink depending on the variety.
  • Insectophilic flowers (insect pollination).

Fertilization:

  • Mostly self-fertile, but cross-fertilization can also occur.
  • Fruit (berry) formation is not important for production.

Nodule Formation:

  • It starts when soil temperatures are 15-18°C.
  • It is due to the retention of carbohydrates from photosynthesis.
  • Tubers grow from underground stolons (metamorphosed stem cells).

Container structure:

  • Φλοιός (επιδερμίδα): Προστατεύει από απώλειες υγρασίας.
  • Flesh: Rich in starch.
  • Buds (eyes): sprouting points of new shoots.

Physiology of tubers:

  • The tubers are the storage organs of the plant.
  • At harvest, the starch content is 15-25%.
  • They support reproduction through seeds.

The potato growth cycle is divided into 5 stages:

  1. Vegetation (0-30 days):
    • Root development and leaf development.
    • Application of nitrogen fertilizers to enhance vegetation.
  2. Germination (30-60 days):
    • Accelerated growth of shoots and leaves.
    • First appearance of flowers and start of tuber formation.
  3. Tuber development (60-90 days):
    • Starch accumulation in the tubers.
    • Application of potash fertilizers to increase production.
  4. Maturation (90-120 days):
    • Enlargement of tubers and hardening of the cortex.
    • Reduction of irrigation to enhance ripening.
  5. Drying and harvesting (120-150 days):
    • Yellowing of foliage and gradual cessation of growth.
    • Harvest when the tubers have a firm bark and low humidity.

3. Cultivation Installation and Preparation

Potatoes are a plant with temperate climate requirements, but they can also adapt to semi-arid or colder conditions if there is sufficient moisture and suitable soil.

  • Optimum growth temperature:
    • 15-20°C for vegetative growth.
    • 15-18°C for tuber formation.
    • Temperatures above 25°C reduce production and increase the percentage of deformed tubers.
  • Sensitivity to frost:
    • Frosts below 0°C destroy the plants.
  • Solar radiation:
    • Necessary for photosynthesis and starch accumulation in tubers.
  • Humidity and rainfall:
    • Potatoes require 450-700 mm of water during the growing season.
    • Good drainage is required to avoid diseases in the root system.

Ideal ground:

  • Light sandy-loamy soil with good drainage.
  • pH: 5,5-6,5 (slightly acidic).
  • Organic matter: More than 2-3% to improve water content and aeration.

Soil preparation:

  1. Ploughing (30-40 cm):
    • Ensure good aeration and soil crumbling.
  2. Cultivator treatment:
    • Create a loose surface for planting.
  3. Ridging (Ridging):
    • Construction of hillocks for drainage and tuber development.
  4. Soil Decontamination:
    • Application of approved herbicides and biological preparations against nematodes.

The choice of varieties depends on:

  • Purpose of cultivation:
    • Fresh consumption: smooth skins, large and uniform potatoes.
    • Industrial use (chips, fried): high starch content (20-25%).
  • Early and late varieties:
    • Early (70-90 days): spring-summer.
    • Late (120-150 days): summer-autumn.

Qualitative criteria :

  • Healthy tubers: no infections or signs of disease.
  • Tuber size: 35-55 mm diameter.
  • Physiological maturity: Tubers with active buds.
  • Pre-sprouting: vegetation enhancement before planting.

3.4 Seeding and planting distances

Planting time:

  • Autumn planting (November-December): for early production.
  • Spring planting (February-March): for summer production.

Planting depth:

  • 8-12 cm depending on the soil.
  • Deeper planting in sandy soils and shallower in heavy soils.

Planting distances:

  • Lines: 70-75 cm.
  • Per plant: 25-30 cm.

Plant density:

  • 40,000-50,000 plants/acre for high yields.
  1. Traditional Cultivation System:
  • Use of a reversible plough and cultivator.
  • Application of organic matter before planting.
  1. Integrated Management (IPM):
  • A combination of mechanical, biological and chemical methods.
  • Use of soil analyses for personalised fertiliser applications.
  1. Precision Agriculture:
  • Moisture sensors for optimizing nutrition and irrigation.
  • Reducing inputs and improving the quality of funds.
  1. Crop rotation (Crop rotation):
  • Cultivation after cereals or legumes for soil renewal.
  • Reducing the risk of nematodes and soil pathogens.

4.1 Nutritional Requirements of Potatoes

  1. Nitrogen (N):

Role:

  • It promotes vegetative growth and the formation of leaves and shoots.
  • Improves the concentration of proteins in the tubers.

Requirements:

  • 12-18 kg/ha in total.
  • Application in two doses:
    1. 70% before planting.
    2. 30% at the start of the consolidation.

Note:
Excessive nitrogen causes excessive germination and reduction in tuber size.

  1. Phosphorus (P):

Role:

  • It enhances the growth of the roots and the rapid establishment of the plant.
  • Improves starch concentration and tuber maturation.

Requirements:

  • 5-7 kg/ha in the form of a water-soluble phosphate fertiliser.
  • The entire amount is applied before planting.
  1. Potassium (K):

Role:

  • Promotes the size and quality of tubers.
  • It enhances the movement of starch from the leaves to the tubers.
  • It increases disease resistance and resistance to transport.

Requirements:

  • 20-30 kg/acre in the form of potassium sulphate (K₂SO₄).
  • Grant:
    • 70% before planting.
    • 30% at the start of tuber formation.

Note:
 Potassium sulphate is preferred due to its low chlorine content which can reduce the quality of the tubers.

  1. Calcium (Ca):

Role:

  • It promotes cell wall structure and resistance to bursting.
  • Improves the quality of the tuber skin.

Requirements:

  • 4-6 kg/acre.
  • Application at planting or by transboundary spraying during critical growth phases.
  1. Magnesium (Mg):

Role:

  • Key element in chlorophyll for photosynthesis.
  • Supports the transport of sugars in the tubers.

Requirements:

  • 2-4 kg/acre.
  • Application with magnesium sulphate (MgSO₄) before planting or transglacially during leaf growth.
  1. Sulphur (S):

Role:

  • It enhances protein metabolism and enzyme production.
  • Improves the quality of the tubers.

Requirements:

  • 3-5 kg/ha in the form of ammonium sulphate or potassium sulphate.
  1. Boron (B):
  • Role:
    • It improves flowering and sugar transfer to the tubers.
  • Dose:
    • 0,3-0,5 kg/acre transhumance.
  • Symptoms of deficiency:
    • Deformed tubers and cracks in the bark.
  1. Zinc (Zn):
  • Role:
    • It enhances the growth of roots and the synthesis of enzymes.
  • Dose:
    • 0,5-1 kg/ha by spraying or hydro-fertilisation.
  • Symptoms of deficiency:
    • Yellowing of leaves and slow growth of shoots.
  1. Iron (Fe):
  • Role:
    • It contributes to photosynthesis and chlorophyll formation.
  • Dose:
    • 0,5-1 kg/acre with intermittent spraying of chelating agents.
  • Symptoms of deficiency:
    • Chlorosis on young leaves (yellowish colour).
  1. Manganese (Mn):
  • Role:
    • It activates enzymes involved in metabolism and photosynthesis.
  • Dose:
    • 0,3-0,5 kg/ha by spraying.
  • Symptoms of deficiency:
    • Yellowing of leaves with retention of green ribs.
  1. Preplantation fertilization (Basic fertilization):

It is applied before planting and forms the basis for the growth of the plant.

  • Nitrogen (N): 8-10 kg/acre.
  • Phosphorus (P₂O₅): 5-7 kg/acre.
  • Potassium (K₂O): 15-18 kg/acre.
  • Sulphur (S): 3-5 kg/ha.
  • Magnesium (Mg): 2-3 kg/acre.

Objective:

  • Enhancement of rooting and early shoot growth.
  • Activation of consolidation.

Application Techniques:

  • Uniform incorporation into the soil by ploughing or cultivator.
  • Application in planting rows for more efficient use of nutrients.
  1. Intermediate Fertilization (Surface):

It is done during the phase of plant growth and tuber formation.

  • Nitrogen (N): 3-6 kg/acre in 2 applications:
    1. At the stage of starting to form tubers.
    2. 15-20 days after to enhance growth.
  • Potassium (K): 5-7 kg/acre to increase the quality and strength of the tubers.

Objective:

  • Stabilization of shoot growth and formation of rich starch reserves in the tubers.
  • Resistance to mechanical injuries and pathogens.

Method of Application:

  • Hydrofertilisation with irrigation systems.
  • Incorporation with continuous small dose applications to avoid nitrogen losses.
  1. Final Lubrication (Maturation):

It is done towards the end of growth, 20-30 days before harvest.

  • Potassium (K): 5-6 kg/acre to enhance ripening and peel.
  • Calcium (Ca): 2-3 kg/acre to protect against cracks and improve the keeping quality.

Objective:

  • Stabilisation of tubers and enhancement of storage time.
  • Resistance to injury during harvesting and transport.

Method of Application:

  • Interfield spraying or staged delivery with hydro-fertilisation.
  1. Acidic Soils (pH < 5.5):
  • Addition of calcium (CaCO₃) to adjust the pH.
  • Application of magnesium sulphate (MgSO₄) for magnesium deficiency.
  1. Sandy Soils (Low Water Retention Capacity):
  • Use slow release fertilizers to avoid leaching.
  • More frequent irrigation and fertilization with hydrofertilization.
  1. Clay soils (poor drainage):
  • Incorporation of organic matter (compost) to improve the structure.
  • Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilisation due to the risk of suffocation.
  1. Hydrofertilization (Fertigation):
  • It is used in irrigated crops to provide soluble fertilizers.
  • Pros:
    • Accuracy of application and immediate data capture.
    • Reduced fertiliser losses due to leaching.

Hydrofouling programme:

  • Planting (0-30 days): 1-2 kg/acre N-P-K (20-10-10).
  • Tuber formation (30-60 days): 2-3 kg/acre N-K (15-15-30).
  • Growth and maturity (60-90 days): 2-4 kg/acre of K and Ca to strengthen tubers.
  1. Foliar Feeding:
  • Application of small amounts of trace elements for immediate correction of deficiencies.
  • Suggested applications:
    • Zinc (Zn): 100 g/100L water for root growth.
    • Boron (B): 50-80 g/100L water to enhance bark quality.
    • Calcium (Ca): 200 g/100L water for hardiness.

Potatoes have different nutritional needs depending on their stage of growth. Adjusting the amounts and timing of nutrient applications is critical for balanced growth and improved tuber quality.

Nutrition Objectives:

  • Enhancement of rooting and early leaf development.
  • Creating a strong plant to support the tubers.

Suggested Fertilizers:

  • Nitrogen (N): 5-8 kg/acre.
  • Phosphorus (P₂O₅): 4-5 kg/acre.
  • Potassium (K₂O): 7-8 kg/acre.
  • Magnesium (Mg): 2-3 kg/acre.
  • Boron (B): 0,2-0,3 kg/ha (transhumance).

Application Techniques:

  • Basic fertilisation: incorporation of fertiliser into the soil before planting.
  • Hydrofertilization: 1-2 applications with a drip irrigation system.
  • Interleaf spraying: In cases of severe deficiencies in trace elements.

Nutrition Objectives:

  • Supporting the rapid increase of funds.
  • Enhancement of starch accumulation and tuber size.

Suggested Fertilizers:

  • Nitrogen (N): 6-8 kg/acre (in two doses).
  • Potassium (K₂O): 10-12 kg/acre to increase strength and tuber growth.
  • Calcium (Ca): 2-3 kg/acre for bark protection.
  • Sulphur (S): 2-3 kg/ha for protein synthesis.
  • Zinc (Zn): 0,3-0,5 kg/acre (transfertilisation or hydrofertilisation).

Application Techniques:

  • Hydrofertilisation: gradual supply through irrigation (fertigation).
  • Interleaf spraying: In case of shortages for rapid absorption.
  • Surface fertilisation: incorporation into the soil during the application of the fertiliser.

Nutrition Objectives:

  • Stabilisation of the quality and size of the tubers.
  • Strengthening the resistance of the peel in transport and storage.

Suggested Fertilizers:

  • Potassium (K₂O): 6-8 kg/acre for tuber hardiness.
  • Calcium (Ca): 2-3 kg/acre for hardening of the peel.
  • Boron (B): 0.3 kg/ha (transhumance) for better sugar transport.
  • Magnesium (Mg): 2 kg/acre to enhance starch synthesis.

Application Techniques:

  • Interfacial application: Strengthening of strength with directly absorbable elements.
  • Hydrofertilisation: continuous applications of small doses up to 20 days before harvest.
  • Surface fertilisation: use of potassium sulphate fertilisers.

Nutrition Objectives:

  • Stabilisation of the tubers for transport and storage.
  • Avoid cracks and injuries during harvesting.

Suggested Fertilizers:

  • Potassium (K₂O): 4-5 kg/acre for sealing the peel.
  • Calcium (Ca): 1-2 kg/acre to enhance resistance.
  • Sulphur (S): 1-2 kg/acre to improve metabolism.

Application Techniques:

  • Interleaf spraying: Targeted application with calcium and potassium.
  • Nitrogen interruption: To enhance tuber hardening and prevent excessive germination.
  1. Sandy Soils:
  • Low doses but frequent applications due to high drainage.
  1. Clay soils:
  • Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to avoid excessive foliar growth.
  1. Acidic Soils:
  • Addition of calcium and sulphur for pH balancing.

Hydrofertilization and trans-water fertilization are modern fertilizer application techniques that offer direct nutrient uptake, optimize resource use and improve tuber quality in potato cultivation.

Hydrofertilization combines the application of water and fertilizer through the irrigation system, ensuring:

  • Direct supply of nutrients near the root.
  • Reduction of nutrient losses through leaching.
  • Optimising nutrient uptake at critical growth stages.

Advantages of Hydrofouling:

  • Accuracy of application: Adjust doses based on soil analyses and plant needs.
  • Reducing labour costs: Avoiding manual fertilizer applications.
  • Balanced nutrition: gradual supply of elements without over-fertilisation.
  • Water and fertiliser saving: controlled use of inputs.

Proposed Hydrofouling Programmes:

  1. Germination stage (0-30 days):
    • 20-10-10 (N-P-K): 2-3 kg/acre per week.
    • Addition of Mg and Zn in case of deficiencies.
  2. Tuber formation (30-60 days):
    • 15-15-30 (N-P-K): 3-5 kg/acre per week.
    • Addition of K₂SO₄ (potassium sulphate): 2 kg/acre to enhance tuber size.
  3. Maturation (60-90 days):
    • 5-10-30 (N-P-K): 2-3 kg/acre to improve peel and strength.
    • Addition of Ca (calcium): 1-2 kg/acre for crack protection.
  4. Final Stage (90-120 days):
    • 0-0-50 (K): 2-4 kg/acre for hardening of the skin and preparation for harvest.

Hydrofiltration Application Tips:

  • Adjust the pH of the water to 5.5-6.5 for maximum availability of the elements.
  • Use water-soluble, high-purity fertilizers to avoid clogging the pipes.
  • Monitor the electrical conductivity (EC) of the solution to avoid salinity.
  • Apply fertilisers in small doses during irrigation for a constant supply.

Transhumance is used to quickly correct nutrient deficiencies or to enhance growth during critical phases of the crop.

Advantages of Interleaf Nourishment:

  • Immediate absorption of data: especially in cases of shortages.
  • Bypassing terrain problems: Useful in soils with high pH or low nutrient availability.
  • Application during critical stages: such as flowering and tuber formation.

Interplant Nutrition Programs:

  1. Germination stage (0-30 days):
    • Calcium (Ca): 200 g/100 L of water for cell wall growth.
    • Zinc (Zn): 100 g/100 L of water to enhance root growth.
  2. Tuber formation (30-60 days):
    • Boron (B): 50-80 g/100 L of water for sugar transport.
    • Magnesium (Mg): 200 g/100 L of water to increase photosynthesis.
    • Potassium (K): 300 g/100 L of water to enhance tuber size.
  3. Maturation and stabilization (60-90 days):
    • Potassium (K): 300-400 g/100 L of water to improve the peel.
    • Calcium (Ca): 250 g/100 L of water for harvest resistance.
  4. Harvest preparation (90-120 days):
    • Potassium (K): 500 g/100 L of water to increase resistance to transport and storage.
    • Magnesium (Mg): 150 g/100 L of water to improve metabolism.

Tips on how to apply Interleaf Nourishment:

  • Application time: Apply early morning or late afternoon for maximum absorption.
  • Concentration: Avoid excessive concentrations that may cause burns.
  • Adjuvants: use adjuvants for better adhesion of sprays to the leaves.
  • Frequency: 2-3 applications per growth stage for a continuous supply of nutrients.

Identification and early correction of nutrient deficiencies in potatoes is crucial to maintain growth, improve tuber quality and increase yield.

  1. Nitrogen (N):
  • Symptoms of Deficiency:
    • Yellowing (chlorosis) on older leaves.
    • Delayed growth and smaller tubers.
    • Weak shoots and limited vegetation.
  • Response:
    • Direct application of ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) or urea by irrigation.
    • Dose: 3-5 kg/acre of hydrofertilisation.
    • Interfacial application: 1-2% urea solution for rapid action.
  1. Phosphorus (P):
  • Symptoms of Deficiency:
    • Purple shades on the leaves, especially on the older ones.
    • Delayed root development and smaller tubers.
    • Poor ripening and low starch content.
  • Response:
    • Addition of water-soluble phosphate fertilizers (e.g., Potassium Monophosphate – MKP).
    • Dose: 3-4 kg/acre of hydrofertilizer or 0.5% solution transfertilizer.
  1. Potassium (K):
  • Symptoms of Deficiency:
    • Burning of edges (necroses) on leaves.
    • Flatness and weak tuberous bark.
    • Low resistance to transport and reduction of sugars in tubers.
  • Response:
    • Application of potassium sulphate (K₂SO₄) or potassium nitrate (KNO₃).
    • Dose: 5-8 kg/acre by hydrofertilization or 2-3% solution transfertilization.
  1. Calcium (Ca):
  • Symptoms of Deficiency:
    • Cracks and deformations in the tubers.
    • Poor root growth and small tubers.
    • Low resistance to injury and disease.
  • Response:
    • Use of calcium nitrate (Ca(NO₃)₂) through hydrofertilisation.
    • Dose: 3-4 kg/acre or 2% intercrop by spraying during tuber development.
  1. Magnesium (Mg):
  • Symptoms of Deficiency:
    • Yellowing between ribs on older leaves (interveinal chlorosis).
    • Poor photosynthesis and slow growth.
  • Response:
    • Application of magnesium sulphate (MgSO₄) or chelated magnesium compounds.
    • Dose: 2-3 kg/acre of hydrofertilisation or 0.5-1% transfertilisation.
  1. Sulphur (S):
  • Symptoms of Deficiency:
    • Uniform yellowing of young leaves.
    • Reduced protein synthesis and poor growth.
  • Response:
    • Use ammonium sulphate (NH₄)₂SO₄ or potassium sulphate (K₂SO₄).
    • Dose: 2-3 kg/acre of hydrofertilisation or 0.5-1% transfertilisation.
  1. Boron (B):
  • Symptoms of Deficiency:
    • Cracks and deformations in the tubers.
    • Discoloration of bark and necrotic leaves.
  • Response:
    • Spray with boric acid (50-100 g/100 L water).
  1. Zinc (Zn):
  • Symptoms of Deficiency:
    • Yellowing of young leaves with microphylls.
    • Delayed plant growth.
  • Response:
    • Spraying with zinc sulphate or Zn chelates (0,5-1 kg/acre).
  1. Iron (Fe):
  • Symptoms of Deficiency:
    • Yellowing of the ribs on young leaves.
    • Reduced growth due to problems with chlorophyll.
  • Response:
    • Application of chelated Fe (EDDHA) by spraying or hydro-fertilisation (2 kg/acre).
  1. Manganese (Mn):
  • Symptoms of Deficiency:
    • Chlorosis on young leaves and low photosynthesis.
  • Response:
    • Application of manganese sulphate (MnSO₄) or Mn chelates.

5. Irrigation and Water Management

Development stage

Duration (days)

Water consumption (mm/day)

Critical Characteristics

Vegetation and rooting

0-30

2-4

Ensure sufficient moisture for root growth.

Shoot and Leaf Formation

30-60

4-6

Foliar enhancement for photosynthesis and metabolism.

Formation of the Tanks

60-90

6-8

Maximum water demand for increasing tuber size.

Maturation of tubers

90-120

3-5

Gradual reduction for bark hardening and quality.

Final Stage – Harvesting

120-150

0-2

Interruption of irrigation in preparation for harvest.

  1. Drip Irrigation:
  • Pros:
    • Targeted water supply close to the root.
    • Water savings of 30-50%.
    • Combination with hydrofertilization for simultaneous application of water and nutrients.
  • Disadvantages:
    • Requires higher installation costs.
    • Susceptibility to drip clogging due to hard water or fertilizer residues.
  1. Sprinkler Irrigation:
  • Pros:
    • Uniform coverage of large areas.
    • Suitable for areas with sandy soils and fast drainage.
  • Disadvantages:
    • Higher water losses due to evaporation (10-20%).
    • Susceptibility to disease due to excessive moisture in the foliage.
  1. Lack of Water (Drought):
  • Symptoms:
    • Leaf bending and reduction in tuber size.
    • Delayed growth and uneven ripening.

Solutions:

  • Increase the frequency of irrigation in smaller doses.
  • Application of biostimulants to enhance stress resistance.
  1. Excess Water (Flooding):
  • Symptoms:
    • Root and tuber rot due to suffocation.
    • Development of fungal diseases.

Solutions:

  • Creation of drainage ditches and improvement of the drainage system.
  • Application of biological agents (Trichoderma spp.) for protection against rot.

Stadium

Water quantity (mm/acre/week)

Irrigation method

Vegetation (0-30 days)

20-25

Drip or sprinkle.

Shoot formation (30-60)

25-35

Drip or sprinkle.

Formation of Tents (60-90)

35-45

Drip with hydrofiltration.

Maturation of tubers (90-120)

15-20

Limited irrigation.

Final Phase (120-150)

0-5

Interruption of irrigation.

7. Cultivation Care

Mulching is an important practice in the management of potato cultivation, as:

  • It improves the development of funds.
  • It protects the tubers from light, preventing greening (formation of solanine – a toxic substance).
  • Increases water retention and soil stability.
  • Reduces weeds by covering the planting lines.

Bulking techniques:

  1. First soil (15-20 days after planting):
    • Enhancing rooting and protection from frosts.
  2. Second soil (40-50 days after planting):
    • Protection of tubers that are starting to grow.

Bulk Depth:

  • 10-15 cm for full tuber coverage.
  • Avoid excessive depth which can make germination difficult.
  • Although the potato does not necessarily require flower removal, this practice is used in certain cases:
    • To reduce energy consumption towards breeding and maximize tuber growth.
    • In high starch tuber producing varieties where a focus on root development is required.

Practice:

  • Removal of flowers by hand or with mechanical tools.

Protection from Frostbite:

  • Potatoes are sensitive to frosts, especially in the early stages.
  • Protection measures:
    1. Splitting: Covering plants with soil or ground cover.
    2. Sprinkler irrigation: Creation of a protective layer of ice.
    3. Use of anti-freezing fabrics (tunnels): cover for the first phases of growth.

Protection from High Temperatures:

  • Temperatures above 25-30°C reduce photosynthesis and cause tuber degradation.
  • Protection measures:
    1. Suitable irrigation times (morning or afternoon): avoid evaporation.
    2. Soil moisture management: Use of organic matter.
    3. Shading with nets: In extremely hot areas.

Manual Control:

  • It is applied at the early growth stage before the development of dense foliage.

Chemical Control:

  • Use of pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides.
  • Care should be taken in the selection of formulations to avoid phytotoxicity.

Mechanical Control:

  • Field and farmers: Ensure a clean field prior to tuber development.

8. Harvesting and post-harvest management

Maturity Criteria:

  • Bark colour: The bark should be hard and tough.
  • Leaf drying: Full maturity is indicated by yellowing and drying of the leaves.
  • Mechanical strength of the bark: Rub resistance test. The rind must not be easily detached.
  • Tuber size: desirable size for marketing (e.g., 40-80 mm).

Harvest time:

  • Early varieties: 90-100 days from planting.
  • Late varieties: 120-150 days.
  • Summer planting: harvest in autumn for storage.
  1. Manual Harvesting:
  • It is applied in small areas or for early varieties.
  • It avoids tuber injuries, but requires high labour costs.
  1. Mechanical Harvesting:
  • Use of harvesting machines (potato extractors).
  • Ensures rapid collection but requires caution in speed and depth of operation to avoid injury.

Basic Storage Conditions:

  1. Temperature: 4-6°C for long-term preservation.
  2. Humidity : 85-95% to avoid weight loss and wrinkling.
  3. Ventilation: ensure constant air circulation to avoid humidity and mould.
  4. Darkness: Avoid greening due to solanine formation.

Post-collection Problems:

  • Rotting from mechanical injuries: Disinfection of tubers before storage.
  • Greening of tubers: proper light coverage.
  • Germination (germination): application of approved germination inhibitors

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