BLIGHTED POTATOES.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1130, 18 May 1911, Page 8

BLIGHTED POTATOES.

WHEN TO DIG THEM. A-question that is of great interest in most of tho potato districts at present is when is the best time to dig blighted" . potatoes. In discussing this problem in the New South Wales ''Agricultural Gazette," Mr. E. D. Butler says that with the abnormally wet season : just experienced it is rather difficult to advise. In other countries the subject has claimed much attention, and the ultimate conclusion of somo experimenters is that if it ; is desired to store tho tubers they should not be dug until tho tops are dead and thoroughly dry. As long as tho tops remain partially green, the spores of tho 1 blight fungus continue to live, and •in the process of digging tho tubers become covered with Hvo spores, and, if conditions are at all favourable, more or less Tot results. Precautions should betaken after digging not to cover the potatoes with tops that have beon blighted, as they are liable to convey infection. All tops .should bo removed before digging, and effectually destroyed. If it is intended to market thq potatoes, tho tops might be removed' when tho tubers are largo enough, or sufficiently matured, care being taken to remove same to some remote place and effectually destroy them. If any infected tubers are found, they also should be sorted out and dc- , stroyed without delay.