PLANTING POTATOES

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 August 1942, Page 2

PLANTING POTATOES

CUTTING FOR SEED PURPOSES The practice of cutting potatoes foi’ seed purposes, though widely undertaken in other countries, has not found favour generally m New Zealand. This has been due partly to the labour involved in the operation and nartly to the apprehension of potato growers as to the effect of this operation on the resultant crop. While the former objection still largely applies in the case of commercial areas, it may be discounted entirely in the case of small areas grown by private householders. The latter objection can be overcome by the exercise of a little care. This was pointed out very clearly by the Seed Certification Officer of the Department of Agriculture. Mr. Clandge said that in view of the present shortage of seed potatoes, particularly m the North Island, coupled with the imperative need to grow the largest possible area of potatoes next season, all persons who are contemplating the planting of potatoes should give consideration to this question of seed-cutting in order that the same number of tubers may be used to plant an increased area. This appeal is directed more particularly to the private grower, but should also be fully explored by the commercial potato grower. . . The following notes will be of assistance to those proposing to use cut tubers for planting. 1. For preference the tubers should carry sturdy sprouts. 2. Cut the tubers so that each piece will have at least three sprouts or “eyes” if possible. 3. Tubers may be cut into two or more pieces, depending on size, shape and number of sprouts. 4. For cutting into two pieces a cut approximately from rose end to heel 'end is normal. 5. Tubers should not be cut into pieces smaller than say 11-oz. and if any choice in regard to the direction of the cutting exists', aim to have the smallest cut surf act possible. 6. Plant the tubers immediately after cutting, preferably into a soil that carries a reasonable amount of moisure without being wet, and cover the tubers straight away. 7. There is no necessity to lime or dust the cut surfaces before planting. , , ~ 8. If it becomes necessary to hold the cut tubers for even a few hours, they should be placed into wet sacks to prevent rapid, drying out. 9. Certain varieties, for example Aucklander Short Top (Sutton Supreme) and Majestic are more liable to decay after cutting than are others but attention to the above details will result in normal stands even with the most susceptible variety. With less susceptible varieties such as Arran Chief, the same care may not be necessary but it is nevertheless desirable to plant the cut tubers before drying out can occur. 10. Householders may find it satisfactory to cut the rose end (that containing the group of “eyes”) from potatoes being used for domestic purposes. Provided the same care is given, equally successful results may be experienced. The suggestion is only practicable in the case of areas in private gardens however. Experiments have shown that cut tubers will produce crops quite equal to those produced from whole tubers, and in some instances better results have been obtained.