Fields Instructor Discusses Means Of Improving Potato Yield

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 19, 6 February 1948, Page 5

Fields Instructor Discusses Means Of Improving Potato Yield

Although this is not a potatogrowing district in the usual commercial sense most people grow some potatoes and any wrinkles in improving yields should make in-' teresting reading. The easiest way to improve yields according to the Fields Instructor, Mr E. R. Marryatt, is to buy high-yielding varieties, and in this connection he says that he has no hesitation in condemning some of the usual earlies grown here. For instance, there is a vast difference in yield from the two first earlies, Doon Early and Epicure, Doon Early being almost twice as high-yielding as Epicure. Similarly the common second early grown hereabouts, Cliff’s Kidney, is ten per cent lower in- yield even than Epicure. *_#■

Mr Marryatt bases his information on potato variety trials which he carries out in co-operation with local < farmers. So far this year only the first eight varieties to be ready have been lifted and Mr Marryatt has set out the results for these eight varieties for two years so that they can be readily* understood. The values refer to table potatoes only, no notice having been taken of seed potatoes or pig potatoes because only fresh certified seed should be used each'year and because only “Paddy” would complain about a low yield of pig potatoes. Variety, Katahdin; Rating, Ist; Classification, Mid season; Comparative Yield, 100; Doon Early; 2nd equal; First early; 95; Chippewa; 2nd equal Second early; 95; Cat- ■ riona 4th; Second early; 90; Robin - Adair; sth Second early; 65; Epicure 6th; First early; 60; Cliff’s Kidney 7th; Second early; 50; King Edward; Bth; Mid season; 33. Mr Marryatt adds that he will supply further information on the other varieties from time to time as they are lifted and the results compared with those of last year. In the meantime he makes one definite recommendation and that is that for a first early no other variety than Doon Early (Government Certified) should be considered. This •variety is a white, floury potato with short, spreading haulms and dense foliage with straight wings. The flowers are scanty and white. The cooking quality and flavour is. good.