Precipitation and drought give different differences

The Crop Tour plots are waiting for a new period of extreme heat. The crop tour plots are currently very different, so it is expected that the difference in yield between the plots will vary further due to the expected extreme weather. 

Despite the regular rainfall, ailments also occur on several plots that may be aggravated by the effects of drought. It is unclear whether this concerns a virus or shortages in the soil.

Potato aphid and phosphate deficiency
On the plot in Middenmeer (North Holland), ozone damage was first thought of, but it later turned out that it could be an infestation of potato aphids. The same clinical picture is visible on the plot in Escharen (North Brabant), but here the ailment seems to be caused by phosphate deficiency. A similar clinical picture has also been observed on the plot in Ens (Flevoland). 

Drought wear 
It is not possible to irrigate on the plot in Scharendijk (Zeeland). Despite the fact that the plot was lucky several times with the amount of precipitation, there is now (permanent) wear and tear on the crop due to drought. The precipitation of Saturday 20 July was also of little use. Recovery is now visible on the plot in Goor (Overijsel), where there was a lot of drought damage earlier this month. 

Germ inhibitors administered in Hank en Fijnaart
On Sunday 21 July, sprout inhibitor was sprayed on the plots in Hank (North Brabant) and Fijnaart (North Brabant) to prevent the sprouting of the new potatoes. Flowering has already passed for some time on both plots and the tubers are sufficiently developed. Ripening is underway on the plot in Hank and the tubers are becoming looser.

To irrigate or not?
Sufficient moisture is available on both the plot in Fijnaart and the plot in Hank. In Hank there is still rain. In addition, more than 10 millimeters of precipitation fell last week. On the plot in Fijnaart, the sprinkler system has not been needed since week 28, where more than 25 millimeters fell last week.

Irrigation has also stopped for the time being on the plot in Voorst (Gelderland), where 64 millimeters fell last month. If it rains next weekend, the sprinkler system will remain off for even longer. The plot in Spijk (Groningen) will not be irrigated for the time being. The plot in Dronten (Flevoland) will be irrigated again this week. The crop is looking fresh, but with the predicted heat on the way, this may also change quickly. 

Trial grubbing 
The differences in yield between the various plots will soon be monitored by means of a preliminary trial harvesting. This will also show the effects of regional conditions, such as drought or precipitation. The results of the trial harvesting come via the main page of the crop tour available. 

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