CULTURE OF KUMERAS.

Thames Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 17586, 27 March 1929, Page 6

CULTURE OF KUMERAS.

SWELLING THE TUBERS. The present season has not been altogether conducive to the production of record yields of kumeras, but some very fair crops may be expected. The plants had a vciy good start, as rains gave them an opportunity to become established before the dry spell set in but their development was hindered by the ■ subsequent dry condition. Since this was broken ,the plants have been given a chance to swell out theii tubers and additional encouragement will be given by the rain which fell during the week-end.

The plants can be assisted to develop the tubers still further before tho crop is lifted by the use of liquid manure. Superphosphate is the fertiliser which will give the most material help, and this may be made into a solution by dissolving loz. in every gallon. As a matter of fact, the plants should have been stimulated by this means right from the time the tubers commenced to develop. It is essential that the trailing shoots of the kumera be lifted every now and again to prevent their taking root at the nodes. If the shoots are allowed to become well rooted the yield of the plant will be seriously affected as the trailers tend to become individual plants instead of helping to feed the tubers on the main plant. There is yet about a month in which the kumeras may swell out before maturing, and it is certainly worth while giving them ovevy encouragement. Although they will not be lifted for a week or two (about the middle ot April is "the usual time under ordinary circumstances) it is not too soon to discuss methods by which the kumera may be stored. In practice it is found that the best method is to store the tubers in dry soil in a barrel. It is advisable to cover each layer as they are put in the box or barrel, in-, stead oJ : Riling the box and then, putting the soil over the tubers at the top. it is absolutely essential that the soil is diyj When a dry spell has been prolonged over a fair period a quantity of tho soil should be scraped off the surface and put through . a halfinch sieve or even a finer one. Fine soil is essential, so that it will fill the spaces .between the tubers,. The dried soil should be put away until it is required in the outhouse, so that it will be handy when required. No matter what method of storage is adopted, growers must take precautions to ensure that the tubers" cannot be reached by rats 6r mice. These pests are very fond of kumeras, and can eat quite a large quantity in a short while. Tho box or barrel is covered with a close-fitting lid the pests should not be able to get at the tubers without knowing their way in. •If they do this poison should be laid or traps set for them.