Understanding various growth stages of a potato plant

Even though with technology it’s easier to overcome the weather challenge as in the case of aeroponics farming, various crops tend to perform differently in various regions.

Study the common features of various tomatoes varieties available in the market.

What is the best Altitude for potatoes farming?

Potatoes are cultivated between 1,500 – 2,800m above Sea Level

What is sufficient Rainfall for potatoes farming?

Well distributed rainfall of between 850 – 1,200 mm is required during the growing period

What is the Best Temperature for potatoes farming?

Potatoes perform well in cool climatic conditions and the optimum temperature range is 15 – 20^oC. The ideal temperature for tuberization is 15^oC.

What is the best Soil type for potatoes farming?

Free draining fertile medium loams are preferred since heavy clays restrict tuber growth. An optimal soil pH range is 5.5 – 7.5 is most preferred.

A potato plant has various growing stages which include;

Growth Stage 1: Sprout development

• At this stage, sprout develop from the eyes using energy from the seed tuber (pinch off the first sprout to remove apical dominance)

Growth Stage 2: Vegetative growth

• Development of leaves, branches and stolons (Right time for earthing- up)
• Growth stage 1 and 2 takes roughly 4 – 10 weeks depending on environmental conditions, physiological age of the tubers & kind of variety

Growth Stage 3: Tuber set (initiation)

• Tubers begin to form at the stolon tips but with little enlargement
• Flowering starts at the end of this stage and takes 2 weeks

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Growth Stage 4: Tuber bulking

• Tuber enlargement is caused by the accumulation of water, nutrients & carbohydrates
• The critical stage for yield & quality
• This stage is the longest and can last up to 3 months

Growth Stage 5: Maturation

• Vines turn yellow & tuber growth slows down
• Decline in photosynthesis
• Dry matter content is at maximum
• Remove the hulls to harden the skin at this stage (very important to ensure good quality produce)

General Features of a good quality Seed/Planting Material

Use disease-free or certified seeds that have two grades:

• Size I: Small-sized seed potatoes (25 – 35 mm diameter)
• Size II: Medium-sized seed potatoes (35 – 45 mm diameter, egg-sized tubers). This is the preferred size since it produces a good balance of big sized & small-sized seed tubers

The number of sprouts should be at least 4. Seed tubers are kept in diffuse light to allow the development of short strong sprouts which helps to ensure a uniform stand.

 Reference: SHEP PLUS, A PROJECT OF Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (MOALF), Agriculture and Food Authority (Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD)) of the Republic of Kenya and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) 

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