Improving techniques for cultivating potatoes of the Smolyanochka variety in elite seed production

In our experiments, 2 methods of harvesting tops were used relative to the control (without harvesting): mechanical (mowing) and chemical (desiccation Reglon Super) for 18; 12; 6 days before harvesting potatoes. On average, over 3 years, the yield of potatoes of the Smolyanochka variety ranged from 36.2 to 47.9 t/ha. The highest yield was obtained by mowing and desiccating the tops in 12 days - 47.3-47.9 t/ha and losses of 2.6; 2.2% respectively. Research has shown that mowing and desiccating the tops 12 days before harvesting ensured the yield of the average fraction of 50-48%, respectively, and the formation of healthier tubers. The strength of the peel contributed to the reduction of losses relative to the control during storage by 0.9-4.3% and the incidence of diseases by 0.5-5.0%. The article also shows the economic efficiency of the agricultural practices used. The profitability level of ware potatoes ranged from 69 to 150% and was greatest when the tops were mowed and desiccated 12 days before harvesting