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Potato Production and Precision Agriculture By: Courtney Whitacre What we discuss History of Potatoes Types of Potatoes Cultivation Planting Fertilization Diseases Insects Harvesting Storage Benefits of Precision Agriculture History of Potatoes Cool-season crop, requiring at least 180 frost free days Require fertile, well-drained, sandy-loam soils Grown in 36 states: Most profitable are Idaho, Washington, and Wisconsin** Although Oklahoma does not grow a large amount of potatoes they do grow some in the panhandle. Types of Potatoes Red Skinned Red Skinned Viking White Skin Kennedec Superior Russet Norgold Burbank Cultivation The soil should be loose, friable (which improves soil tuber set and development of smooth, well-shaped and even colored potatoes) The only reason to be in the field should be to maintain weeds, keep soil hilled-up and aid in water penetration and soil aeration. Planting Planting usually starts in late April and ends in September. The soil should be about 45 degress Rows are usually 36 inches part and 4 inches deep** It is very important the seed is placed properly to insure optimal tuber set. The planter also needs to be cleaned and disinfected periodically to decrease disease potential. Fertilizer Application Rather than soil sampling petal samples are taken (Leaf samples) pH can be as low as 5.0 Heavy amounts of nitrogen are necessary Plants uptake about 200-240 lbs during tuber bulking stage Once the potato vines get to full bloom the fertilizer must be distributed through the irrigation pivots or sprinklers Nutrient uptake usually is slow during the early growth stages, but increase rapidly as the tubers bulk in size, then slow again during plant maturity. Disease Most common-Early Blight Verticillium wilt Common Scab Black leg Root Knot Nematode Most of the diseases can be managed by crop rotation and checking the crop often for early diagnoses. Insects Colorado Potato Beetle- attacks young foliage causeing defoliation Cutworms- Feed on the seed tubers Flea beetles- Feed on the leaves and quickly cause defoliation Leaf Hoppers- Feed on underside of leaves and with toxic saliva cause leaf spotting Blister Beetles- Feed on the tips of plants causing leaf ragging Green Peach Aphid- cause high damage by removing sap Wireworms- hard slender bodies that feed on tuber seeds and underground stems during the spring Insects Cont. In order to reduce insect resistance it is important to keep good records of insect populations and insecticide application Rotate insecticides used Use insecticides at labeled rate Use some of the new insecticidal chemistries Scouting and make insecticide applications only when needed Its very important to identify each insect and control it at each life stage. Harvesting http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DFTmi8SZZc Before the harvester goes in the vines are usually dead and sometimes they can be cut off to make it easier for the harvester. The harvester digs and loads the potatoes onto trucks for transport to where the tubers are washed, graded, and sized for bulk marketing. It is very important that the tubers are handled carefully in order to minimize bruising, rots, cracks, and skinning. Storage Tubers are living, respiring, biologically active organisms that require proper storing to preserve the same quality as harvested. A proper storage facility has a lateral wall that can support that weight of a pile A good insulation and moisture barrier Air circulation system Equipment to supply moisture if needed Sensors and controllers to allow maintance while no one is present. Precision Agriculture One item that could be very beneficial would be a tractor that not only cut the tubers to proper and symmetrical shape, but then planted them. This would cut back on handling which would lower the level of disease. By making it one solid motion from cutting to planting the seeds have a better chance of optimal germination and fight against diseases that are active in the soil. With the GPS available it is necessary for the grower to drive the field before planting and take accurate nutrient measurements and apply appropriate amounts where needed. Questions?????
