Seed farm "AgroAlliance-NN" (Nizhny Novgorod region), specializing in the production of high reproductive European varieties of potatoes, continues to keep its "Diary of Observations".
The farm specialists talk about the main stages of planting care. Let us remind you that this year the enterprise is working with four varieties of HPC Sadokas: Silvana, Memphis, Colomba and Red Scarlett. Potato planting was completed on May 25. The cool and moderately humid weather at the end of May made it possible to carry out ridge formation efficiently and in the required agrotechnical terms. The formed ridges had good density and volume, that is, they created all the conditions for the normal development of tubers.
The next step in the care of the potatoes was the release of weeds from the plantings. Hot weather in early June and sufficient soil moisture contributed to the rapid and friendly emergence of crop emergence. The first herbicide treatment was carried out on seedlings (Zenkor 0,3 l / ha + Boxer 2,5 l / ha). On the Sylvan variety, which is more sensitive to metribuzin, a milder mixture was used (Zencor 0,2 l / ha + Boxer 2,5 l / ha). Fusilade Forte was used against cereal weeds at a dosage of 1,5 l / ha.
A significant part of the activities on the farm was aimed at protecting the plantings from viral infections, that is, at fighting against vectors of viruses (aphids, leafhoppers, other insects). Traps were set up in the fields to determine the beginning of flight of insects.
The first insecticidal treatment was carried out on June 14, the subsequent ones - after 7-9 days, with alternating preparations (Karate, Valiam Fleksi, Borey, Plenum). On the third day after the application of the insecticide (after each treatment), the plants were sprayed with 30 Plus oil. This drug has proven itself in the southern Russian regions. According to the method of exposure, it belongs to contact pesticides.
High temperature, low humidity in mid-June and well-chosen fungicidal protection of tubers during planting prevented the development of fungal diseases. Preventive treatments with fungicides began on June 22. A proven set of drugs was used: Infinito, Consento, Thanos.
One of the most important operations in the cultivation of seed potatoes is phyto-cleaning, the key to obtaining a quality product. During the summer, three stages of herbal cleanings were carried out. Employees who have undergone special training on the farm were involved in the inspection of plants. Their activities were supervised by specialists with many years of experience growing potatoes.
Moderately warm, humid weather in late June and the first half of July contributed to the rapid growth and maturation of tubers. By the middle of the month (July 16.07), we had trial digging; according to their results, we decided to desiccate two sections of the Colomb cultivar. Already on July 22, the plots were treated with Reglon Forte at the maximum dose and Shirlan 0,3 l / ha. The desired result has been achieved.
Cleaning began on August 15, much earlier than usual, in optimal weather conditions, but we will tell about this stage in the next issue.