The seed potato varieties intended for chip potato cultivation will also be delivered next season with a slightly larger size selection than in other years. Previously this was often up to size 55, now it is again size 60. Seed potato trading house Agrico communicated this to its growers last week.
In the past growing season, seed potato varieties intended for chip potato cultivation were even sold up to size 70. Initially, growers were informed during the growing season to apply haulm killing to various industrial varieties up to size grading 60. Later, during the grading months in November, they were asked to leave varieties such as Fontane, Markies and Première with size grading 60/70. to hold. These could also be sold. This season the size grading will also be increased somewhat and the advice for haulm killing is up to size grading 60.
This advice shows that demand for the industrial varieties is good again. The seed potato area of several of these varieties has increased significantly. According to NAK figures, the area of Fontane alone increases by 11% and goes from 5.164 hectares to 5.749 hectares. Agria also increased in area by 10% and there are other varieties that show the same growth and are intended for industry. In addition, tuber formation is much higher than last season due to the wet spring.
The cooperative reports in a message to growers that the recommended seed potato size for industrial varieties such as Fontane, Agria and Markies is size 28 to 60. This also applies to other varieties with industrial destinations, such as Sinora and Premiére. The varieties for overseas export, such as Arizona and Spunta, remain at the 'standard' size size 28 to 55.