Potato Plant Description
The potato plant has uneven branchy leaves above ground that are not edible and tubers underground which make up the main source of food on the plant. Tubers can be almost round and some are oval in shape.
Uses
Potatoes can be consumed cooked as source of carbohydrates. Are also distilled in the production of spirit alcohol. Frozen for French fries. Potato starch is used in the culinary industry as a thickener. And used as seed tubers for the next season's crop.
Soil Requirements and Preparation
Potatoes are best planted in well-drained, well aerated and moisture-retentive soils, with high fertility. Sandy loam soils are best; high clay content causes harvesting problems. Tolerant to acid soil, pH 4,3 to 6,1. High pH promotes scab disease.
Cross rip soil to 500 mm and break up soil that is compacted and layered. Thereafter till top 300 mm and make sure that soil is properly loosened and organic crop or weed residue is worked into the soil.
Soil must be moist during this process. Finally disc top 150 mm to make sure planting area is loosened for planting of seed potatoes.
Climate
The potato is a cool weather crop that realises its highest yields and best quality in regions that have a temperate climate and a long average day length during the growing season.
Diseases, pests and water stress at any time while the potatoes are growing are major constraints to production. Does not do its best at temperatures over 28°C.
Potato Cultivars
Popular potato cultivars are BP1, Up-to-Date, Vanderplank, Buffelspoort, Astrid, Hoëvelder, Mnandi. Being such an important vegetable crop, much cultivar development has taken place and many new cultivars have been developed.
By Louise Brodie