Quality problems on the rise for British potato growers

Figures from the Potato Council Grower Panel Lifting Survey estimate that 11,600ha (10%) was cleared to Friday August 10, compared with 12,500 ha (10%) the same week in 2011 and 13,000 ha (10%) in 2010.

Weather conditions varied and included heavy localised storms which interrupted lifting in some areas. Crops vary considerably both in yield and quality. Some fields were still very green with growth potential, while others were senescing. Some incidences of Hollow heart and Blackheart have been reported, while other issues include blackleg, growth cracks, greening, slug damage and wet rots. Foliar blight is also wide spread.

In the West lifting conditions varied, with clods causing problems on heavier soils. More crops were being burnt off. Yields were in a wide range of 25-42t/ha, with many around the 30t/ha mark.

In the East more crops were burnt off but those grown for storage were being left to bulk up where possible. Lifting conditions improved but with dry ground and poor soil structure in the rows, harvesting was still slow with lots of heavy clods. Yields of 12-15t/ha were reported in flood or frost damaged crops but most were between 30-40t/ha, with anything over or close to 50t/ha an exception. Some localised hail damage was reported early in the week in Cambridgeshire.

In the South more crops were burnt-off. Yields were ranging from 25-40t/ha.

In Scotland there was wide variation between fields with some looking good but many were backward with wet patches, blackleg and some blight.