THE POTATO CROP

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24624, 21 July 1945, Page 3

THE POTATO CROP

PREVENTION OF SNOW DAMAGE The heavy fall of snow over the week-end and the slow thaw may have damaging effects on pitted potatoes, and the North Canterbury Grain Merchants’ Association has issued advice to growers on methods of preventing or minimising losses. The points the association emphasises are as follows: Potato Pits.—Snow on pits will help to prevent frost damage, but when the thaw commences it is advisable to rake the snow off, otherwise the melting snow will seep through the straw and wet the potatoes. , .Potatoes Stored in Sheds with Iron Sides.—Potatoes should not be stacked along the sides of sheds, as they are likely to be frosted through the iron. Districts Subject to Severe Frosts.— In the Methven, Hororata, Annat, and other districts subject to exceptionally severe frosts, potatoes are prone to be frosted in any class of shed. If potatoes are stored in sacks they should also be protected by cover straw or extra layers of sacks. Potatoes stored in sheds should be well covered with straw or extra sacks. Potatoes in the Ground.—lt is generally agreed that potatoes in the ground when snow is covering them are well protected from frosts. However, when the thaw commences there is some risk of damage.