Inspection Service NAK further increased the number of reductions in week 28 (to 14,6%). Foliage destruction is slowly getting under way, but is lagging considerably behind last year. This is due to the drought.
Compared to last week it is reduction percentage increased by 2,5%. The number of reductions was 5,7% this week last year and 2016% in 9,7. In addition, 2,1% of the lots were rejected, compared to 0,6% in 2017 and 1,5% in 2016. Bacterial disease remains the main culprit with 87% of all reductions. This is followed by other causes and the mosaic virus.
Significantly fewer seed potatoes were killed
Until July 16, the foliage has been destroyed on 1.800 hectares of seed potatoes. This means that in week 28 about 200 hectares of seed potatoes were folded and sprayed. The haulm killing is therefore considerably behind last year. On the same date, 4.000 hectares were already ready for foliage killing.
Jan Eggo Hommes, NAK Field Service Officer, attributes the lower number of hectares almost entirely to the drought. "Because it remains dry, crop growth is slower and the potatoes remain longer for sufficient yield," he says. "The planting was a little late, but the development afterwards was good. Due to the persistently dry and warm weather, you can now see the potatoes wearing out."
Lower disease pressure
It is good news for the disease pressure. "A lot has been reduced due to bacterial disease, but this does not mean that new mother tubers are immediately infected," says Hommes. "Autumn is important. That remains to be seen. The hot weather and a lot of wind are also favorable for aphid pressure. Crops that are not irrigated are sometimes in stress mode. It is difficult for the inspectors to see whether a plant is affected or not. because you cannot determine the cause for sure.”
The NAK man calls it an extremely special year. "Throughout the country, plots were planted early and very late. Crop development was uniform, while the south is normally significantly ahead. The foliage killing is variety-dependent, which means that plots are already being killed in both the north and south."
through washing
Hommes does not dare to make any statements about the proceeds. That is not up to the NAK. “Washing through can become an issue,” he knows. "When the crops open, the spine is exposed. This warms up quickly. Washed tubers are a major problem for both seed and consumption potatoes."