Heatwave brings mixed fortunes for potato crop

THE heatwave has brought dry matter improvements in potato crops destined for processing but has compromised bulking in some crops, says the Potato Council. Irrigation, where available, has been in full use on potato crops as temperatures have topped 30degC this week. In the East, the warm, dry conditions have helped dry matters to improve and assisted in blight control. First early crops are bulking and early maincrops are at a typical stage for mid-July. Early bakers are not far off a marketable size. In East Anglia, first burn off of ware crops is expected in the next seven to 10 days, with the first set skin anticipated in the first week of August. To view the full article please click on the link below: