After a period of high temperatures caused potatoes to enter dormancy, tubers are beginning to sprout after growth recommenced.

The sprouting is affecting virtually every variety nationwide.

The sprouts are small in size. While sprout suppressant actives such as maleic hydrazide are claimed to assist with control, product labels dictate that caution should be advised when applying the active when tubers are stressed.

A potentially bigger problem for non-irrigated crops is tuber cracking.

A period of slow growth due to drought caused premature skin set. However, the onset of wet conditions is likely to cause secondary growth, initiating tuber bulking once again. This will cause issues with skin cracking.

While cracking and sprouting won’t affect the quality of potatoes, skin finish may be affected.

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Drought triggers up to 20% potato loss

IFA potato market report Tuesday 24/07/2018