The early potatoes grow fast. The Amora and Anosta plots followed by the Belgian Potato Cultivation Test Center (PCA) have grown 700 and 600 kilos per day per hectare respectively in recent days. In the trial harvesting, yields are now at or above the multi-year average.
The Amora and Anosta plots, which are monitored by the Belgian Testing Center for Potato Cultivation (PCA), have grown 700 and 600 kilos per day per hectare respectively in recent days. The Amora achieved an average yield of 123 tons per hectare after 45 growing days. The long-term average for the end of the growing season is 42 tons per hectare.
There is a large spread in yield between the 8 plots, ranging from 30 to 54 tons per hectare. 2 are just above 30 tons, while on 3 plots the yield has already passed 50 tons. With the Anosta, the average yield is 41 tons per hectare, equal to the multi-year average final yield. The spread between the plots ranges from 38 to 52 tons per hectare.
Significant differences in sorting
There are also significant differences in terms of size. The average this year at Amora is 33,8 tons per hectare (77%) of potatoes 35 on. The multi-year average is 32 tons. The differences between the plots range from 21 to 46 tons per hectare.
The yield of Anosta in the size suitable for chips is 28 tons per hectare. That is slightly below the average of 30 tons per hectare. Ripening for both varieties is 50% behind the average around this time, which is approximately 75% to 80%. So there could be quite a few tons of additional growth.
Quality improves
The underwater weight (OWG) of the Anosta, at 363 grams, remains behind the average of around 380 grams. The spread is between 348 and 370 grams in the test harvest. One plot has now been harvested and the OWG there was 384 grams. The average OWG of the Amora is 389 grams. There are 2 parcels that still remain below the standard of 360 grams. In both varieties, loss is mainly limited to a few green or misshapen tubers. Rotten potatoes have not been found anywhere. The chip quality of all samples is rated as excellent.
The decent yields are already reflected in the Belgian quotations for early potatoes. The PCA quotation has fallen from €20 in week 31 (last week) to €16,25 per 100 kilos this week. This week's Belgapom quotation has not yet been published, but last week the price took a step back by €2,50 to €17,50 per 100 kilos.