Harvesting Kumaras

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 62, Issue 3, 15 March 1941, Page 200

Harvesting Kumaras

THE digging of kumaras should be delayed as long as possible so that maximum development of the tubers may be made. It should, however, be completed before frosts occur. In the event of an unseasonable frost sufficient to kill the tops, these should be removed promptly to prevent rots penetrating from the injured stems to the tubers. Digging should then be completed as soon as possible. The tops are first removed, the ridges are exposed, and digging may then be continued. The tubers bruise very readily, and every , care must be taken not to injure them. They should be handled as carefully as eggs or fruit. Any that are bruised or cut should be put on one side for immediate use, as they do not keep well. The tubers should be removed from the roots, leaving as small a broken surface as possible. After digging, the tubers should be left on the ground for several days

so that the surface may dry out completely. During this period they are liable to attack by rats, birds, or insects. If this occurs it is a good policy to stack them in the field and to cover them at night or during wet weather with their tops. Storage When the tubers have undergone the preliminary sweating, usually taking about a week, they should be taken to the store. The essential conditions of the store are that it be cool

- (but not cold), dry and free of e draughts, and vermin-proof. A shed, - or a pit dug into dry ground, is quite 7 suitable. In small quantities the tubers r may be embedded in dry sawdust or r sand in boxes or bins. In larger quantities they should be stacked on a foundation of straw or fern and pros tected from attacks by vermin. Under ' such conditions they will keep for ’ many months.

F. SYDENHAM,

Assistant Horti-

1 culturist (on Active Service).