Belgian 'potatoes' miss a month of growth

On 30 September and 1 October, the Belgian potato organisations (Fiwap, Viaverda, Carah, Inagro) took new samples of the Fontane variety. Of the 36 plots, three plots had completely died, so no new yield measurement was carried out. At the time of sampling, seventeen of the 36 plots had been sprayed dead. On average, 45% of the crops had died.

Spread of 53 tons
The average net yield in week 40 is 44 tonnes per hectare in the size 35 millimetres upwards. That is the second lowest yield in recent years. Only 2022 yielded an even lower yield of 42,4 tonnes. This yield was achieved after an average of 121 growing days. That is 27 less than in the five-year average. This can be seen in the four plots that were planted in April, where the yield is much better. The underwater weight is on average 393 grams.

There is a huge difference in yield between the crops. The top is at 75 tons per hectare after 143 days and the bottom at only 22 tons after 96 days. The late crops have still used their potential. Compared to the previous sample moment in week 38, 2,4 tons have grown (170 kilos per day). In the previous measurement, this was still 600 kilos, which shows that the crops are in their final phase, despite the fact that they may still be green.

Underwater weight stable
The measured underwater weight is also quite low. The five-year average is 422 grams. Only last year was this even lower than what is measured now. In the past two weeks, the OWG has not increased significantly. The lowest values ​​are only 333 grams. The five plots that were planted in June all score low values.

The shoe pinches him this season especially with the late planting date. That has cost a lot of yield. If you do not look at the date but at the number of growing days, then that is average. However, this potential is no longer used this season. For the very late plots, a low OWG is a shortcoming. In the trial harvests hardly any defects were found. A few green tubers or a growth crack. Hollow was almost not found. Almost all batches have an excellent baking quality.

The Belgian organisations will once again sample all plots in week 42 for the final yield. Innovator, Markies and Bintje will also be included.

Aviko figures reflect Belgium
Aviko has announced its latest trial harvest figures for this year. In week 40, the plots came to 59 tonnes per hectare gross. That is about 50 tonnes net. This is the lowest yield after 2022, just like in the Belgian figures. What is striking is that the crops are much less coarse than in other years. The percentage of 50 millimetres upwards ends at 75%, where it is otherwise always above 80%. The underwater weight has decreased slightly and comes to 405 grams.

According to the potato processor, a tight 40% of all Aviko potatoes had been harvested in the Netherlands by the end of week 30. This is a percentage slightly lower than last year. In France, this is slightly less. In Belgium, less than 10% has been harvested. Germany is traditionally much further ahead. There, 45% has been harvested and in the United Kingdom, a good 30%.