WILL GO FURTHER

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 51, Issue 3159, 19 August 1942, Page 5

WILL GO FURTHER

APPEAL TO GROWERS CUTTING SEED POTATOES STURDY SPROUTS IMPORTANT The practice of cutting potatoes for seed purposes, though widely undertaken in other countries, has not found favour generally in New Zealand. This has been due partly to the labour involved in the operation and partly 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 to-day by the Seed (Certification Officer of the Department of Agriculture. Mr Claridge said that in view of the present shortage of seed potatoes, particularly in 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. How To Cut Them 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. Foi- 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 lioz. and if any choice in regard to the direction of the cutting exists, aim to have the smallest cut surface possible. 6. Plant the tubers immediately after cutting, preferably into a soil that carries a reasonable amount of moisture without being wet, and cover the tubers straight away. 7. There is no necessity to lime or dust the cut. surf aces 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.

Plant As Soon As Cut

&. Certain varieties, for example Auckland Short Top (Sutton Supreme) and Majestic are more liable to decay after cutting than arc others but attention to the abovedetails will result in normal stands even with the most susceptible variety. With iQjig 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, especially 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. Therefore in the interests of the nation, cut your potato tubers before planting.