Potato Review

+11% +15% +31% +23% +31% +11% Maximizing the number of tubers In the early stages of the growth cycle, each potato plant initiates a certain number of tubers but only some of these will survive and grow. Only the tubers that reach a suf cient diameter at the end of the initiation period will remain viable until harvest. This complex stage driven by hormonal signals from the foliage depends on climatic factors (photoperiod and temperature) and cultural factors (variety, density, nutrition and water regime). At the beginning of the cycle, growers must be able to ensure the availability of water and nutrients to maximize initiation particularly the availability of phosphorus, which plays a crucial role regarding the number of tubers. ‘‘Availability of water and nutrients (including phosphorus)’’ Promoting the growth of tubers Heat stress and inadequate or uctuating water supply negatively affects tuber growth and decreases the production of starch, which is vital for tuber growth. In addition, a regular supply of nitrogen and potash (the very soluble macro nutrients) promotes tuber growth signi cantly. During the tuber lling phase, limiting the impact of climatic stress is essential to maximize tuber ll. ‘‘Limiting the impact of climatic stress’’ An experimentation program to deliver results In the quest to maximize yields and examine in uences on the different phases of the potato cycle, Lallemand Plant Care in partnership with Richard Austin Agriculture, has been monitoring planting programs, utilizing a number of product combinations. Firstly, a PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) microorganism ( Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain IT45) - RISE ™ P DualTech- was introduced with a fungicide at planting to stimulate root development which enhances the ability to extract nutrient and water reserves from the time of planting to the tuber initiation period. From tuber initiation onwards, the emphasis was placed on the plant’s water retention capacity and limiting the impact of climatic stress on tuber enlargement with two applications of concentrated natural Glycine Betaine (LALSTIM OSMO, previously named IntraCell ® ). Controlling tuber initiation and tuber growth for an optimum harvest Whether your production is for the markets of direct consumption, processing or seed, the achievement of uniform size at harvest is a concern for all growers Lincolnshire, England, 2021 Treatments Planting Tuber initiation 3 to 4 weeks after Untreated control — — — Biological reference RISE ™ P DualTech 1 kg/ha — — Biological reference + Chemical reference Allstar 0.8 L/ha + RISE ™ P DualTech 1 kg/ha LALSTIM OSMO 1 kg/ha LALSTIM OSMO 1 kg/ha Trial layout Randomized complete block design Type of soil Silt loam Applications UK Agent, Bill Fone Email: bill@mmagency.uk Mobile: 07866 814 450 www.lallemandplantcare.com UK Sales Manager, Bryan Limerick Email: blimerick@lallemand.com Mobile: 07929 069 084 www.lallemandplantcare.com Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain IT45 ©LALLEMAND PLANT CARE Fluxapyroxad (300 g/L) Yield at harvest (t/ha) This experimentation has been conducted during 3 years on different varieties. RISE ™ P DualTech treatments are key to obtain a good tuber initiation. The two applications of LALSTIM OSMO help to retain tubers that would otherwise be prone to reabsorption when the crop is subjected to climatic stress. The harvest results for the treatments were higher than the untreated control. The biological reference yielded 10 to 20% more and the combination of chemical and biological treatments yielded 10 to 30% more depending of the year and the variety.The total cost for the biological treatments used in this trial is £104/ha ex. VAT at farm gate. Maris Peer (2020) Markis (2021) Melody (2022) 0 20 40 60 80 48.0 25.3 a 25.3 a 43.1 a 55.1 a 67.6 b 72.0 b 47.9 a 48.0 a 29.0 b 33.1 c Signi cant diffence : LSD test at 5% For more details please contact: