SAVE POTATOES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 05, Issue 92, 17 August 1942, Page 5

SAVE POTATOES

CUTTINGS FOR SEED

ADVICE TO PRIVATE OWNERS

The practice of cutting potatoes for seed purposes, though widely undertaken in other countries, has not found favour generally in New Zealand. This has been due partly to the labour involved in the operation and partly to the apprehension of potato grower as to 'the effect of this operation on the resultant crop.

While the former objection still largely applies in the case of commercial areas, it may be discounted entirely in the case of small areas grown bjr private householders. The latter objection can be overcome b.y the exercise of a little care. This was pointed out very clearly to-day by the Seed Certification Officer of the Department of Agriculture. Mr C'laridge said that in view of ilie present shortage of seed potatoes, particularly in the North Island, coupled with the imperative need to grow the largest possible area of potatoes next season, all persons who are contemplating the planting of potatoes should give consideration to this question of seed cutting in order that the same number of tubers may be used to plant an increased area. This appeal is directed more particularly to the private grower, but should also be fully explored by the commercial potato grower. The notes will be of assistance to those proposing to use cut tubers for planting:—. 1. For preference the tubers should carry ssturdy sprouts. 2. Cut the tubers so tha't each piece will have at least three sprouts or "eyes" if possible. 3. Tubers may be cut into two or more pieces, depending on size, shape and number of sprouts. 4. For cutting into two pieces a cut approximately from rose end to heel end is normal. 5. Tubers should be cut into pieces smaller than say l%oz and if any choice in regard to the direction of the cutting exists, aim 'to have the smallest cut surface possible. 6. Plant the tubbrs immediately, preferably into a soil that carries a reasonable amount of moisture without being wet, and cover the tubers straight away. 7. There is no necessity to lime or dust the cut surfaces before planting. 8. If it becomes necessary to hold the cut tubers for even a few hours, they should be placed into Avet sacks to prevent rapid drying out. 9. Certain varieties, for example Auckland Short Top (Sutton Supreme) and Majestic are more liable to decay after cutting than are others but attention to the above details will result in normal stands even with the most susceptible variety. With less susceptible varieties such as Arran Chief, the same oare may not lie necessary, but it is nevertheless desirable to plant the cut tubers 'before drying out can occur. 10. Householders may iinol it satisfactory to cut the rose end (that containing the group of "eyes") froßTi potatoes being used tor domestie purposes. Provided the same care is given, equally successful results may be cxperieneed. The sugr gestion is only practicable in the case of areas in private gardens however. • Experiments have shown that cuttubers will ptoduce crops quite equal to tlfose produced from Whole tubers, and in some instances better resu-lts have been obtained. Therefore in the interests of 'the nation, cut your potato tubers before planting .