Rain is desired and at the right time

Precipitation has come at the right time for most plots. The tuber setting starts underground and plots also begin to close. The first flowers have even been observed on the plot in Scharendijke (Zeeland).

On all plots of the Boerenbusiness Crop tour has fallen in the past week. In Flevoland there was even talk of extreme precipitation† The precipitation does come at the right time, because tuber formation is now starting on the plots.

Ahead of last year
The potato plot in Scharendijke (Zeeland) is well ahead of last year, because then the plot was closed weekend 24 not yet closed. The plot has now been completely closed and new tubers are still being added. It is expected that when more precipitation falls, these tubers will continue. Precipitation is also desperately needed, because this plot cannot be irrigated.

More than 6 millimeters of precipitation fell on the plot in Middenmeer (North Holland) on Thursday 40 June. "This precipitation has also penetrated deeper into the ground," says the grower. Above ground there seems to be little difference in the amount of leaves, compared to week 24 last year† The precipitation of last week will undoubtedly have a positive effect on tuber setting. 

Tuber formation started
Irrigation has started on the potato plot in Escharen (North Brabant). However, as soon as it appeared that sufficient precipitation would fall, the irrigation was stopped again. However, there is a visible difference between the part that has been irrigated and that which has not been irrigated. Compared to week 24 in 2018, there is little difference. An equal stage of the closure of the plot is visible on the plots.

The potato plot in Hank (North Brabant) is 75% closed. Tuberculosis has also started. On the plot in Spijk (Groningen) there is no tuber setting yet, but growth is good. Tuber setting on the plot in Dronten (Flevoland) is expected to start this week. More than 10 millimeters fell on this plot on Monday 30 June, which, according to the grower, is enough for the time being.

Irregularities
The Crop Tour plot in Voorst (Gelderland) looks great. Because the plot is somewhat bound, irregularities are visible. The plot in Goor (Overijssel) received less precipitation than hoped. "Despite the drought, growth is still good," says the grower of this plot.

The foliage on the potato plot in Fijnaart (North Brabant) is developing well, despite some irregularities in the plants in the row. Compared to last year, this plot also shows few differences in view of the foliage stage.

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