Processing potato tubers: choosing the right product

Growth stimulants

Pre-sowing treatment of tubers is most often aimed at pest control. But it's precisely at this time, when the tubers are literally in our hands, that we can influence fruit formation by using growth and rooting stimulants. Recently, scientists have succeeded in synthesizing artificial analogues of phytohormones responsible for plant cell division. These substances, called brassinosteroids, form the basis of most growth stimulants. Here's what the use of growth stimulants gives:

• the growth of the root system is enhanced;
• the waiting period for seedlings to emerge is shortened;
• increases resistance to diseases, pests and adverse weather conditions;
• additional eyes awaken, which means the number of stolons increases;
• improving the quality of root crops due to increased content of starch and vitamins;
• increase in crop yields.

Here are some popular growth stimulants for potatoes:

• Poteytin is one of the most effective preparations. In addition to the effects mentioned above, it accelerates leaf coarsening, reducing plant susceptibility to Colorado potato beetle infestation and reduces the accumulation of radionuclides in tubers. It increases yields by 25%. It is environmentally friendly. Poteytin's aqueous solution quickly loses its potency when exposed to bright light, so tubers should be treated after sunset the day before planting. Spray evenly over the entire surface of the tubers. A solution containing the fungicide Prestige can be prepared. Repeat spraying is performed before flowering.
• Fumar is a universal biostimulant used for a wide range of crops, including potatoes. When used in combination with fungicides, insecticides, and micronutrient fertilizers, their effects are enhanced. It is particularly effective when planting unsprouted tubers. Potatoes are dipped in the prepared solution for 5-10 seconds, dried slightly, and then planted. To enhance the effect, the product can be added to the solution during the first treatment for Colorado potato beetles.

When using growth stimulants, it's crucial to strictly follow the instructions. These products require special storage and disposal conditions. For maximum effectiveness, precise dosing is essential; higher concentrations of the working solution can have the opposite effect.

Video "Diseases"

From the video you will learn about potato diseases.

Disease prevention

Potatoes are susceptible to a wide variety of diseases caused by viruses, viroids, bacteria, phytoplasmas, and fungi. These pathogens live in the soil, on tubers, and on equipment. Therefore, planting material must be treated with antiseptics.

Potassium permanganate is most often used to disinfect seeds and tubers. Sprouted potatoes are dipped in the bright pink solution for half an hour. Once dry, they are ready for planting.

Copper sulfate is another commonly used remedy. The tubers are soaked in a solution (1 teaspoon of powder per 3 liters of water) for 2-3 minutes. "Maxim" is a fungicide that provides protection to plants throughout the entire growth period. Applied to the soil as a protective film on the surface of the treated plant, its effect extends to the entire root zone. It is designed to protect against late blight, rhizoctonia, scab, and all types of rot. It is approved by the Ministry of Health for use in private household plots.

Fitosporin-M is a biofungicide that combats fungal and bacterial diseases and rot. It is virtually non-toxic to beneficial insects. The included GUMI powder boosts plant immunity.

Nutrient spraying

Enriching seeds with micronutrients accelerates sprout formation and subsequent seedling emergence, and increases resistance to various diseases. The most important macronutrients are nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, while the micronutrients are copper, boron, manganese, zinc, and molybdenum.

Copper accelerates tuber formation and increases resistance to diseases.

Boron is necessary for pollination of flowers, formation of roots and shoots.

Manganese helps tubers accumulate starch and vitamin C.

Zinc is involved in metabolic processes and accelerates vegetation.

Micronutrients promote better absorption of macronutrients. Therefore, it's best to treat tubers with complex fertilizers.

"Avangard Solanaceae" is a liquid fertilizer for pre-sowing treatment of potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, and tobacco. Increases yield by 10-12%.

For a nourishing shower you can use: "Kemira potato", "Rastvorin", "Nitrophoska", "Effekton".

You can prepare the nutritional mixture yourself:

• superphosphate 60 g;
• urea 40 g;
• copper sulfate 5 g;
• boric acid 10 g;
• potassium permanganate 1 g;
• hot water 10 l.

Spraying can be done a few days before planting. Repeated fertilization at 10-day intervals will accelerate sprout formation.

Pest control

Potatoes are susceptible not only to diseases but also to numerous pests. The most dangerous are: stem and cyst nematodes, Colorado potato beetles, potato moths, wireworms, mole crickets, and aphids. To ensure protection from the very beginning, potato tubers should be treated with insecticides before planting. All pesticides are divided into three types based on the insect's route of entry:

• intestinal ones, when sprayed on the surface of the plant, poison the insect at the moment of eating it;
• contact ones kill upon external contact with the pest’s body;
• Systemic ones are absorbed by the plant and move through its vessels, turning all parts of the plant into poison for harmful insects.

According to their effect, all drugs are divided into:

• selective, the action of which is directed against a specific type of pest (anthelmintics kill parasitic worms, nematicides kill roundworms, acaricides kill ticks);
• continuous, destroying several different types of insects at the same time.

For our purposes, continuous action contact preparations are best suited:

• Prestige will protect potatoes for a month from mole crickets, various wireworms, cockchafer larvae, aphids, leafhoppers, moths, and, of course, the Colorado potato beetle. Its destructive properties also extend to all kinds of fungal diseases. For the plant itself, it acts as an anti-stress agent, ensuring its resilience to adverse conditions during the most crucial period.
• Matador protects potatoes from all kinds of pests and major diseases, at least until the end of flowering. It does not accumulate in tubers, is low-toxic to humans, and is safe for the environment. It increases yield and improves its quality;
• Cruiser blocks the insects' nervous system, causing them to stop feeding and die. This mechanism of action prevents addiction. It is effective for 45 days and is compatible with fungicides and micronutrient fertilizers.

What are the benefits of pre-planting treatment?

Pre-treated planting material rapidly begins to grow, forming additional stems and stolons. Free from the negative effects of diseases and pests, it focuses all its energy on the formation and growth of tubers.

The use of growth stimulants eliminates the problem of unsprouted seeds. After all, not everyone has the opportunity to prepare tubers in advance. Insecticide treatments will eliminate the tedious battle with Colorado potato beetles for a long time. The freed-up time can be spent on more productive activities. Seeding and fertilizing the plants minimizes the risks of repeated cultivation in the same location. Potato plantings are quite extensive, so it's rare to be able to use a plot of land for them only once every four years.

We've mainly discussed pre-planting treatment with chemicals, which isn't acceptable for everyone. Despite the lucrative advertising promises, the harvested crop may contain chemical residues. However, even adherents of pure, organic farming shouldn't shy away from this effective method. Simply choose harmless biological products. For example, spraying tubers with "Baikal-M" can increase yield by 10 to 40%. For disinfection, use a wood ash solution (1 kg per 10 liters of water), which is also a source of potassium, calcium, and phosphorus. Garlic infusion can also help destroy harmful flora.

Video "How to protect"

This video will show you how to protect potatoes from pests.