Opportunities for a good result

After weeks of drought and heat, during which the temperature could reach 38 degrees Celsius locally, the weather seems to be returning to normal and there is some rain again. Whether we're out of the loop with this, however, remains to be seen.

There are plots where the racial effects are clearly visible. One variety is (still) quite green, while the foliage of the next variety has dried up and/or has died. For plots with the Innovator potato variety, which participate in the Boerenbusiness Crop tourFortunately, this is not the case.

However, as we the trial harvests have seen, there is a lot of variation between the different regions and parcels. The next 10 to 14 days will determine whether the crops continue to die or whether there is still so much growth in the crop, causing additional growth.

Thoroughbred and phytophthora 
Problems such as crop growth and phytophthora remain important this growing season. However, the question of whether we can learn something from the differences that appear on our plots is also important. With the precipitation, the chance of through (locally) increase. This can have major consequences for yield and quality. The chance is greatest, especially on plots where there is little or no rain. Check your plots regularly for crop through and determine the strategy for each plot.

For crops that have suffered greatly from the drought, the question is increasingly being asked when the phytophthora spraying should be stopped. Our vision is to continue the control (as long as the potatoes have not yet been sprayed to death). When new foliage forms, there is even a chance that the pressure will increase again.

Several questions have also been received about site-specific control of phytophthora. We advise not to do this, because of the risk of infection of the still green parts and the chance of tuber phytophthora. The differences in the development within 1 plot do offer opportunities for site-specific haulm killing. Please ask your advisor for more information.

Use of satellites, drones and crop sensors
As the season draws to a close, the question arises: how can we tackle the problems (that we are currently facing) so that they do not return in the coming seasons? An example is to recognize the differences in the fields with satellites, drones or crop sensors. That's also possible targeted research determine the reason for the stunted growth.

Based on further research, we can make a task advice card together with you. For example, if you observe differences in the organic matter, we can create a variable compost spreading map to compensate for the organic matter on a site-specific basis.