Campaign Circulation 181 is about growing potatoes in Nebraska for processing

Andersen, Lloyd W.

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University of Nebraska - Lincoln
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Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-
Lincoln Extension Extension
May 2014
CC181 Growing Potatoes in Nebraska for
Processing
Lloyd W. Andersen
Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/extensionhist
This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Extension at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for
inclusion in Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of
Nebraska - Lincoln.
Andersen, Lloyd W., "CC181 Growing Potatoes in Nebraska for Processing" (2014). Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-
Lincoln Extension. 3167.
http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/extensionhist/3167
U"HVERSITY Of NEBR. cc 181 
Ll ..) r( 'l~ Y Scotts Bluff Ex . Penment Stat~~ 
LIBRARv JUN 1 7 r'88 
GROWING POTATOES IN 
NEBRASKA FOR 
PRDCES 
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND HOME ECONOMICS 
EXTENSION SERVICE 
AND U, S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE COOPERATING 
E. F. FROLIK, DEAN J . L . ADAMS , DIRECTOR 
GROWING POTATOES IN 
NEBRASKA FOR 
PROCESSING 
By Lloyd W. Andersen, 
R. B. 0 'Keefe and Wayne C. Whitneyl/ 
Potatoes for processing must be of relatively high 
specific gravity (1. 07 0+), low in reducing sugars and 
oil and a golden color when processed. Varieties, the 
place where the potatoes are grown, and cultural prac-
tices affect these qualities. 
Processing potatoes can be produced in both early 
and late crop areas in Nebraska but they need proper 
cultural and storage practices to assure good chipping 
or french-frying quality. 
This report gives Nebraska growers the necessary 
cultural practices for producing processing potatoes and 
makes suggestions based on available information. 
A TEN-POINT PROGRAM 
1. Selection of varieties 
a. In central Nebraska: Haig, Irish Cobbler, 
Kennebec, Hi Plains, Platte, Pioneer. 
b. In western Nebraska: Haig, Platte, Kennebec, 
Hi Plains , Pioneer. 
c. Irish Cobbler and Pioneer should be planted in 
sandy soils where scab is not a severe problem. 
i/ Lloyd W. Andersen is Extension Potato Specialist; 
R. B. O'Keefe is Associate Professor of Horticulture, 
Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station; Wayne C. 
Whitney is Ext ens ion Horticulturist, University of 
Nebraska Agricultural Extension Service. 
d. Kennebec and Platte are long sea s on v arieties; 
plant on earliest dat e indicated for a reas . 
2. Planting date and rate wit h irrigation 
a. Specific gravity increases as tuber size and matu-
rity increase. Control these factors by proper 
combination of planting date and seed piece 
spacing. 
b. Planting guide by areas (Use 1. 5 - 1. 7 oz. seed 
pieces): 
Central McCook Western 
City Hershey Nebraska 
Gibbon 
Red 
Cloud 
Date of Mar 25 - Apr 1- May 15 -
pl anting Apr 7 14 June 10 
Spaci ng 36 - 38 36 - 38 36 inches 
between inches inches 
rows 
Spaci ng in 12 - 15 12 - 15 12 - 15 
rows inches inches inches 
Rate 15 - 18 15 - 18 15 - 18 
(cwt/acre) 
Possible July 9 - July 15 - Aug 15 -
harvest Aug 7 Aug 7 Oct 10 
c. The 15-inc h , in-row spacing with Haig will pro-
duce the highest percentage of large tubers ( 2 1/4 
to 4 i nch) and may be beneficial with the earliest 
planting and anticipated harvest dates. Use 9 
inch spacing with Kennebec and Pioneer for a late 
harvest. 
2 
d. Plant in moist, warm (450f .+) soil for rapid plant 
emergence. 
e. Plant Nebraska Certified Seed or still better 
Nebraska X Free Seed for best insurance of re-
latively disease-free seed and higher returns per 
acre . Diseased tubers generally produce chips 
of poor color. Treat cut seed according to re-
commendations given under "Insect and Disease 
Control." 
3. Proper fertilizer use 
a. Potato plants require nutrients to insure rapid, 
steady growth and proper tuber development . Meet 
fertility requirements at the beginning of gmwth. 
Broadcast and plow down the fertilizer or apply 
part of the fertilizer at planting time and the ·rest 
when the plants are four to six inches high. 
b. Apply fertilizers according to recommendations 
derived from soil tests and cropping history. 
(Consult your County Extension Agent for sampl-
ing boxes and sampling procedure). 
c. General recommendation: 
1. 80 to 100 pounds available phosphorus per 
acre following alfalfa or sweet clover: 40 to 
80 pounds available phosphorus after corn, 
beets, etc. 
2. A good legume crop preceding potatoes gen-
erally supplies nitrogen needs; too much ni-
trogen results in immature potatoes . Apply 
0 to 40 pounds of nitrogen after a legume crop; 
80 to 100 pounds after corn, beets, etc. 
3. Generally, soils in Nebraska contain enough 
potassium for potatoes. 
d. Nitrogen can be applied in the irrigation water. 
This practice is important when the potato crop 
3 
has had hail damage. Apply S to 10 pounds of 
nitrogen immediately after hail to start regrowth. 
e. Too much nitrogen can reduce the specific gravity 
and dry matter of the tubers because plants re-
main green longer and tubers do not mature. Take 
care in nitrogen applications when growing pro-
cessing potatoes . 
4. Irrigation practices 
a. Irrigate before plant emergence if soil becomes 
dry. Soil moisture is essential for plant emer-
gence. 
b. Irrigate early (soon after emergence) and frequent-
ly to keep top two feet of soil moist I but not wet I 
until the plants reach their growth peak (lower 
leaves begin to turn yellow) . Three or four inches 
of water are enough. 
c. Irrigate late in the season according to condi-
tions. Tubers produced at low to medi-um soil 
moisture levels are of higher specific gravity than 
tub ers produced at a high soil moisture level. 
Avoiding heavy 1 late irrigations hastens vine and 
tuber rna turi ty . 
d. Frequency and rate of irrigation: 
Temperature Since 
Last Irrigation 
700 - S0° F. 
S0° - gQ° F. 
go0 - 100° F. 
4 
Water Used 
By Plants 
.15-.20 
in/day 
.20- .30 
in/day 
.30- .40 
in/day 
APPROXIMATE DAYS 
BETWEEN IRRIGATIONS 
Sandy Soil: 
Sandy Loam: 
. 7 5 x 3 x . 40 = 3 t o 4 days 
.25 
1 x 3 x . 40 = 5 days 
.25 
Medium Texture: 2 x 3 x . 40 = 10 days 
Clay Soil: 
EXAMPLE: 
.25 
2. 5 x 3 x . 40 = 12 days 
.25 
(1) (2) (3) 
....:...•..:....7.:;,.5....;.x.::.....:;,3=-"x~._;;4~0 = 3 to 4 days 
.25 
( 4) 
( 1) Amount of water a foot of soil will hold. 
(2) Depth in feet you wish water to penetrate. 
(3) Amount of moisture used at irrigation. 
( 4) Inches of water a plant uses per day under 
normal conditions. 
5. Insect and Disease Control 
Insect control recommendations: 
a. Eastern and central Nebraska: 
1. Control Colorado beetles and potato psyllids 
early in the season. Later in the season potato 
leafhoppers I thrips I grasshoppers 1 and blister 
beetles may appear 1 with leafhoppers present-
ing the major threat to the crop. 
5 
Recommendations For Potato Insect Control 
Spray Application 
Insect Insecticide Amount Actual 
and per acre Insecticide 
formulation per acre 
Leafhoppers DDT, 2 2 quarts 1 pound 
and lbs/gal. 
plant bugs 
Thiodan, 2 quarts 1 pound 
2 lbs/gal. 
Sevin, 50 WP 2 pounds 1 pound 
Colorado 
potato Sevin, 50 WP 2 pounds 1 pound 
beetles 
and flea DDT, 2 2 quarts 1 pound 
beetle lbs/gal. 
adults 
Dieldrin, 1/3 gallon 0. 5 pound 
1. 5 lbs/ 
gal. 
Endrin, 1 pint 0. 3 pound 
1.6 }if·/ 
gal. a 
Thiodan, 2 quarts 1 pound 
2 lbs/gal. 
Grass- Dieldrin , 2/3 pint 2 ounces 
hoppers 1. 5 lbs/ 
gal. 
Endrin, lJ 1 pint 0. 3 ounce 
lbs/gal. a 
Toxaphene, 2 pints 1. 5 pound 
6 lbs/gal. 
6 
Insect 
Blister 
beetles 
Potato 
psyllids 
Thrips 
Ins ecti ci de 
and 
formulation 
DDT, 2 lbs/ 
gal. 
Thiodan, 2 
lbs/gaJ. 
DDT, 2 lbs/ 
gal. 
Endrin, v 
lbs/gal. a 
Thiodan, 2 
lbs/gal. 
Malathion, 
5 lb/gal. 
Amount 
per acre 
4 quarts 
2 quarts 
2 quarts 
1 pint 
2 quarts 
2 pints 
Actual 
Insecticide 
per acre 
2 pounds 
1 pound 
1 pound 
0. 3 pound 
1 pound 
1. 3 pounds 
b. Western Nebraska: 
1. Early season insects are the flea beetle, 
Colorado potato beetle, and the potato psyllid. 
Late season insects are the flea beetle I 
potato psyllid , aphids I grasshoppers I and 
leafhoppers. 
BHC NOT RECOMMENDED FOR 
POTATO INSECT CONTROL 
OR FOR SOIL TREATMENT WHERE 
POTATOES MAY BE PLANTED IN THE FUTURE 
BHC (Benzene hexachloride) is absorbed by potatoes 
and imparts a musty fl avor . It has been used as a soil 
treatment for com rootworms, and in several cases pota-
9./ Endrin is a high toxic chemical. It should be used 
only by trained operators. 
7 
toes planted in the same ground have not been usable. 
BHC should not be used as a soil treatment if potatoes 
are to be planted later in the same ground. Manure from 
cattle sprayed with BHC should not be used on potato 
ground. 
Because of residues of aldrin and dieldrin in and on 
tubers during 19 62 and the actions taken by the Food and 
Drug Administration, aldrin and dieldrin are not recom-
mended in Nebraska as soil insecticides for control of 
the tuber flea beetle and wireworms. Control materials 
suggested are all registered for use on potatoes . 
Recommendations-For Potato Insect Control 
Soil Applications 
Insect Insecticide Method Amount Actual 
and of per Insec-
formulation appli- acre ticide 
cation per acre 
Tuber Diazinon Broad- 20 lbs . 2 
Flea lOG cast 
Beetle 
and 14G Broad- 14 lbs. 2 
wire- cast 
worms 
lOG Band 10 lbs . 1 
14G Band 7 lbs . 1 
Thi~ Band 25 lbs. 2.5 
lOG a 
Di-~ton Band 25 lbs. 2.5 
lOGa 
i/ Thimet or Di-Syston can be applied over the seed 
pieces. 
8 
Disease control recommendations 
Ring-rot and Virus Disease Control 
Disease Chemical Suggested Rate 
J 
Disinfection of Preferred com-J storage cellars I pounds: 
bins I crates I Hyamine 2389 Use at rate 
graders I etc. 1 Selco suggested by 
for ring rot Ocean 101 manufacturer. 
control Satisfactory com-
pounds: 
Copper sulfate 6 lbs/100 
gallons water 
Copper A Com- 3 lbs/100 
pound gallons water 
Cuprocide 2 lbs/100 
gallons water 
Tribasic Copper 3 lbs/100 
Sulfate gallons water 
Disinfection of Mercuric chloride 1 ounce to 5 
cutting knife to for Ring Rot gallons water 
prevent ring rot 
spread. Semesan Bel Follow manu-
facturer's 
directions . 
Disinfection of Formaldehyde 1tsp.per 
cutting knife to quart of water 
~ ~ prevent virus spread. 
~ 
Scab Formaldehyde Four to six 
weeks before 
planting dip 
uncut potatoes 
for 3 to 4 min-
utes into a 
9 
solution of 1 
pint of formal-
dehyde in 15 
gallons of wat er 
kept at 121 
degrees F. 
Drain and dry. 
This treatment 
is effective 
when scabby 
tubers are to be 
planted in re-
latively scab-
free soil. 
Recommended Fungicidal Chemicals For Potatoes 
Disease 
Early and late 
blight. 
Chemical 
Semesan Bel S 
Maneb 
10 
Suggested Rate 
Mix at rate of l 
lb. to each 7 
l/2 gallons of 
water in treat-
ing vat. Im-
merse whole or 
cut seed pieces I 
remove I drain 
and promptly 
dry if not plant-
ed immediately. 
l lb. will treat 
60-80 bushels 
or 36 to 48 
cwt. 
l l/2 lbs. of 
80% material/ 
100 gal. of 
water (l 00-
150 gals/A) 
Treatment of 
cut seed 
potatoes for 
seed piece 
rot 
Zineb 
Nabam +Zinc 
Sulfate 
Bordeaux 
mixture 
Fixed copper 
Polyram 80 WP 
Captan 
Zineb 
2 lbs. of 65% 
material/! 0 0 
gals. of water 
(100-150 
gals/A) 
2 quarts of 19% 
Nabam + 1 lb. 
zinc sulfate to 
100 gal. "Yater 
8 lbs. copper 
sulfate + 8 lbs. 
hydrated lime to 
100 gals. water 
Follow manu-
facturers direc-
tions. 
l l/2 to 2 
lbs/100 gal-
lons/acre. 
Start when 
plants are 6" to 
8" high. Apply 
at 5 to 10-day 
intervals. 
1 l/2 lbs. of 
7. 5% dust per 
100lbs. 
1 l/2 lbs. of 
5% dust per 
100 lbs. 
POTATO lATE BLIGHT FORECASTING 
Phytophrthora infestans 1 the causal fungus of late 
blight I is extreme! y dependent upon weather conditions 
for survival and spread. Cool I moist weather is neces-
sary for spore development and germination. Periods when 
night temperatures average 50-55 degrees F . I and day 
t emperatures are in the 6 0 1 s and 7 0 1 s are favorable for 
1 1 
growth. If these temperatures are coupled with drifting 
fog or mist, frequent rains, or heavy dews that keep the 
foliage wet for 12 hours or longer, the stage is set for 
spore development and disease progress ion. 
To determine more accurately climatic conditions for 
late blight forecasts, place a hygrothermograph instru-
ment, which simultaneously records the humidity and 
t emperature, in a potato field . If the instrument is several 
feet above the soil surface, the data obtained are not 
exactly those obtained if the instrument were among the 
potato vines. 
Irrigation water, particularly at the lower ends of the 
fields where the water might stand, may cause the micro-
climate about the foliage to be different from atmospheric 
conditions several feet above the foliage. For practical 
purposes, however, placing the instrument at the edge 
of the field i s satisfactory. The data taken from the 
hygrothermograph are analysed and a report made on 
disease conditions at weekly intervals. 
Varieties vary in their disease potential. Those of 
high potentia l should have a full season spray program 
with applications at 2 week intervals. Spray those of 
moderate potential when notified through public warning 
service. Spray those of l ow potential if blight can be 
found in the field. 
6 . Weed Control 
a. Use chemical controls where weeds are difficult 
to control by cultivations. 
b. Pre-emergence - Eptam, Dacthal , Dymid; 
Post-emergence - Eptam. 
c. Weed burning, using shiel ds and vine lifters, 
controls grassy and broadleaf weeds; this pro-
cedure is effective for severe grassy weed prob-
lems late in the season. 
7 . Vine Killing 
a. Na tural , slow maturation of vines results in the 
12 
movement of carbohydrates from vines to the tubers 
and consequent high specific gravity. Conver-
s e ly, rapid vine killing by chemicals may result 
in tubers of low s pecific gravity. Some chemical 
vine killers caus e internal tuber discoloration. 
Sodium arsenite may be us ed in central and eas t e rn 
Nebraska as a v ine dessicant. 
b . Vine beating should not be practic ed more than 
three days before harvest. Studies in other states 
indicate that vine beating is followed by a rapid 
decrease in tuber chipping quality. 
8. Harvesting 
a. Exposure of tubers to low temperatures (below 
400f .) and high temperatures (above soop .) before 
or during harvest impairs their processing quality. 
b. In central Nebraska harvest potatoes only du ring 
the early morning and late afternoon when tempera-
tures do not exceed 80°F. 
c. In western Nebraska harvest potatoes before the 
danger of exposure of tubers to temperatures below 
40° F. occurs. If late September or early October 
harvesting is necessary, ridging the potato rows 
with soil late in the season may avoid field chill-
ing of the tubers . 
d. Use all recommended precautions to avoid harvest 
injury to tubers. 
9. Storage 
a. Reducing sugars build up in tubers at storage 
temperatures below 50° F. 
b. Chemicals to retard sprout growth and permit 
storage of potatoes at soo F are l. Maleic hydra-
zide (MH 30) applied to the vines at the rate of 
one gallon per acre, four to six weeks prior to 
harvest, 2. Chloro-IPC applied as a vapor to 
potatoes in storage (one gram/cwt. of potatoes) , 
3. Fusarex applied as a dust at grading time . 
13 
c. Tubers of s ome varieties w i ll reconstitute after 
cold storage at 400 F. and may be processed. 
Reconstitution should occur with st orage at 700 F. 
for l 0 days to 3 weeks . However, Haig i s unreli-
able with regard to recons titution following cold 
storage. 
d. Control of storage temperature and ventilation is 
important; store potatoes in bins with center air 
ducts and taper lower part of bin side walls to 
center of the bin floor to form side ducts. 
l. Ventilate bins by forced air distributed to and 
through air ducts . 
2. Use thermostatically controlled heaters. 
3. Consult the Extension Entomologist or the 
Department of Horticulture and Forestry for 
further information. 
l 0. Marketing 
a. Test potato samples for specific gravity before and 
during harvest or storage. The specific gravity 
of processing tubers must be above l. 070. The 
higher the value, the better the quality; l. 080+ 
desirable. 
b . Use a "potato hydrometer" to measure specific 
gravity. This instrument can be obtained from 
the Potato Chip Institute International, 946 Hanna 
Building, Cleveland 15, Ohio. 
c. Test potato samples for reducing sugars with 
"chip color tester" tape which can be obtained 
from the Potato Chip Institute International. Low 
reducing sugar content is associated with light 
chip color and is an essential quality of chipping 
potatoes. 
d. Potatoes whic h will not process well at harvest 
time will not improve with storage. Find another 
use for them . 
-- - ----
14 
e. Do not over-ice shipments of potatoes during 
warm months. Chilling of tubers in transit may 
destroy their chipping quality; this also applie s 
to winter shipments. 
Note: For detailed information regarding processing 
potatoes , refer to: 
l . "Potato Handbook 19 60" 
Potato Association of America, New Brunswick, 
New Jersey 
2. "The Production of Good Chipping Potatoes," 
C. W. Frutchery, H. W. Chapman and A. M. 
Binkley, Colorado State University, Extension 
Service, Fort Collins, Colorado. 
TOXICITY OF INSECTICIDES 
Consider all insecticides poisons and capable of caus-
ing illness and even death to humans. THE BEST SOURCE 
OF INFORMATION FOR EACH INSECTICIDE IS ON THE 
lABEL. Always read labels thoroughly before opening 
containers. Laws require that labels contain several 
important facts. All labels will list the contents, what 
crops to use them on, residue information, amounts to 
use and time to elapse before harvest. Each container 
will list precautions for use and highly toxic insecti cides 
will provide first aid information and instructions for 
physicians. 
Most toxicity ratings are based on an oral dose ad-
ministered to test animals. Ratings can be placed in 
these three general c.ategories: 
HIGH TOXICITY: (requires protective clothing and 
respirator for safe handling. They should be applied only 
by trained operators) .•. Demeton (systox), Endrin, EPN, 
Guthion, Metacide, methyl parathion, parathion , phos-
drin, s chradan, TEPP, Thimet, Di -Syston, and Trithion. 
MODERATE TOXICITY: (Requires very careful handling. 
Undue exposure must be avoided) Aldrin, BHC, chlordane, 
15 
Chlorthion, Co- Ral, DDT, DDVP, Delnav, Diazinon, 
Dibrom , Dieldrin, Dylox, Ethion, heptachlor, lindane, 
Strobane, Thiodan, Toxa phe ne. 
SLIGHTLY TOXIC: (Exercis e careful handling) Chloro-
benside, Kelthane, ronnel (Korlan) , malathi on , metho-
xychlor , ovex , Perthane, rotenone , Sevin, TDE (DDD) , 
Tedion, and Thanite. 
WHAT TO DO FOR POISONING 
1. Get the patient to a hospital or physician as soon 
as possible. Take a label for the doctor's infor-
mation. Give artificial respiration if breathing 
has s topped. 
2 . If the chemical has been swallowed and vomiting 
has not resulted, induce vomiting by giving a 
strong soap solution or a tablespoon of salt in 
one-half glass warm water. 
3 . If insecticide is spilled on the skin, remove cloth-
i ng and bathe with large amounts of soap and 
water, rinsing thoroughly. 
4 . If insecticide gets into eyes, wash at once with 
flowing water and continue for several minutes. 
POISON CONTROL CENTERS 
In emergencies , poison control centers can be called 
day or night . Physicians can call these centers for any 
type of poisoning: 
Omaha, Nebraska . . . . 533-5400 
. Childrens 
Memorial 
Hospital 
Denver , Colorado . . . CH 4-6969 ... Dep't. of 
Health & 
Hospitals 
16 
Manhattan, Kansas . . . JE 9-2244 ... Riley 
County 
Hospital 
Cheyenne, Wyoming. . . . 4-4431 ... Memorial 
Hospital 
Furnish all information possible to poison control 
center. 
17 


CC181  Growing Potatoes in Nebraska for Processing

DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska

University of Nebraska - LincolnDigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - LincolnHistorical Materials from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension ExtensionMay 2014CC181 Growing Potatoes in Nebraska forProcessingLloyd W. AndersenFollow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/extensionhistThis Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Extension at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted forinclusion in Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University ofNebraska - Lincoln.Andersen, Lloyd W., "CC181 Growing Potatoes in Nebraska for Processing" (2014). Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. 3167.http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/extensionhist/3167U"HVERSITY Of NEBR. cc 181 Ll ..) r( 'l~ Y Scotts Bluff Ex . Penment Stat~~ LIBRARv JUN 1 7 r'88 GROWING POTATOES IN NEBRASKA FOR PRDCES UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND HOME ECONOMICS EXTENSION SERVICE AND U, S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE COOPERATING E. F. FROLIK, DEAN J . L . ADAMS , DIRECTOR GROWING POTATOES IN NEBRASKA FOR PROCESSING By Lloyd W. Andersen, R. B. 0 'Keefe and Wayne C. Whitneyl/ Potatoes for processing must be of relatively high specific gravity (1. 07 0+), low in reducing sugars and oil and a golden color when processed. Varieties, the place where the potatoes are grown, and cultural prac-tices affect these qualities. Processing potatoes can be produced in both early and late crop areas in Nebraska but they need proper cultural and storage practices to assure good chipping or french-frying quality. This report gives Nebraska growers the necessary cultural practices for producing processing potatoes and makes suggestions based on available information. A TEN-POINT PROGRAM 1. Selection of varieties a. In central Nebraska: Haig, Irish Cobbler, Kennebec, Hi Plains, Platte, Pioneer. b. In western Nebraska: Haig, Platte, Kennebec, Hi Plains , Pioneer. c. Irish Cobbler and Pioneer should be planted in sandy soils where scab is not a severe problem. i/ Lloyd W. Andersen is Extension Potato Specialist; R. B. O'Keefe is Associate Professor of Horticulture, Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station; Wayne C. Whitney is Ext ens ion Horticulturist, University of Nebraska Agricultural Extension Service. d. Kennebec and Platte are long sea s on v arieties; plant on earliest dat e indicated for a reas . 2. Planting date and rate wit h irrigation a. Specific gravity increases as tuber size and matu-rity increase. Control these factors by proper combination of planting date and seed piece spacing. b. Planting guide by areas (Use 1. 5 - 1. 7 oz. seed pieces): Central McCook Western City Hershey Nebraska Gibbon Red Cloud Date of Mar 25 - Apr 1- May 15 -pl anting Apr 7 14 June 10 Spaci ng 36 - 38 36 - 38 36 inches between inches inches rows Spaci ng in 12 - 15 12 - 15 12 - 15 rows inches inches inches Rate 15 - 18 15 - 18 15 - 18 (cwt/acre) Possible July 9 - July 15 - Aug 15 -harvest Aug 7 Aug 7 Oct 10 c. The 15-inc h , in-row spacing with Haig will pro-duce the highest percentage of large tubers ( 2 1/4 to 4 i nch) and may be beneficial with the earliest planting and anticipated harvest dates. Use 9 inch spacing with Kennebec and Pioneer for a late harvest. 2 d. Plant in moist, warm (450f .+) soil for rapid plant emergence. e. Plant Nebraska Certified Seed or still better Nebraska X Free Seed for best insurance of re-latively disease-free seed and higher returns per acre . Diseased tubers generally produce chips of poor color. Treat cut seed according to re-commendations given under "Insect and Disease Control." 3. Proper fertilizer use a. Potato plants require nutrients to insure rapid, steady growth and proper tuber development . Meet fertility requirements at the beginning of gmwth. Broadcast and plow down the fertilizer or apply part of the fertilizer at planting time and the ·rest when the plants are four to six inches high. b. Apply fertilizers according to recommendations derived from soil tests and cropping history. (Consult your County Extension Agent for sampl-ing boxes and sampling procedure). c. General recommendation: 1. 80 to 100 pounds available phosphorus per acre following alfalfa or sweet clover: 40 to 80 pounds available phosphorus after corn, beets, etc. 2. A good legume crop preceding potatoes gen-erally supplies nitrogen needs; too much ni-trogen results in immature potatoes . Apply 0 to 40 pounds of nitrogen after a legume crop; 80 to 100 pounds after corn, beets, etc. 3. Generally, soils in Nebraska contain enough potassium for potatoes. d. Nitrogen can be applied in the irrigation water. This practice is important when the potato crop 3 has had hail damage. Apply S to 10 pounds of nitrogen immediately after hail to start regrowth. e. Too much nitrogen can reduce the specific gravity and dry matter of the tubers because plants re-main green longer and tubers do not mature. Take care in nitrogen applications when growing pro-cessing potatoes . 4. Irrigation practices a. Irrigate before plant emergence if soil becomes dry. Soil moisture is essential for plant emer-gence. b. Irrigate early (soon after emergence) and frequent-ly to keep top two feet of soil moist I but not wet I until the plants reach their growth peak (lower leaves begin to turn yellow) . Three or four inches of water are enough. c. Irrigate late in the season according to condi-tions. Tubers produced at low to medi-um soil moisture levels are of higher specific gravity than tub ers produced at a high soil moisture level. Avoiding heavy 1 late irrigations hastens vine and tuber rna turi ty . d. Frequency and rate of irrigation: Temperature Since Last Irrigation 700 - S0° F. S0° - gQ° F. go0 - 100° F. 4 Water Used By Plants .15-.20 in/day .20- .30 in/day .30- .40 in/day APPROXIMATE DAYS BETWEEN IRRIGATIONS Sandy Soil: Sandy Loam: . 7 5 x 3 x . 40 = 3 t o 4 days .25 1 x 3 x . 40 = 5 days .25 Medium Texture: 2 x 3 x . 40 = 10 days Clay Soil: EXAMPLE: .25 2. 5 x 3 x . 40 = 12 days .25 (1) (2) (3) ....:...•..:....7.:;,.5....;.x.::.....:;,3=-"x~._;;4~0 = 3 to 4 days .25 ( 4) ( 1) Amount of water a foot of soil will hold. (2) Depth in feet you wish water to penetrate. (3) Amount of moisture used at irrigation. ( 4) Inches of water a plant uses per day under normal conditions. 5. Insect and Disease Control Insect control recommendations: a. Eastern and central Nebraska: 1. Control Colorado beetles and potato psyllids early in the season. Later in the season potato leafhoppers I thrips I grasshoppers 1 and blister beetles may appear 1 with leafhoppers present-ing the major threat to the crop. 5 Recommendations For Potato Insect Control Spray Application Insect Insecticide Amount Actual and per acre Insecticide formulation per acre Leafhoppers DDT, 2 2 quarts 1 pound and lbs/gal. plant bugs Thiodan, 2 quarts 1 pound 2 lbs/gal. Sevin, 50 WP 2 pounds 1 pound Colorado potato Sevin, 50 WP 2 pounds 1 pound beetles and flea DDT, 2 2 quarts 1 pound beetle lbs/gal. adults Dieldrin, 1/3 gallon 0. 5 pound 1. 5 lbs/ gal. Endrin, 1 pint 0. 3 pound 1.6 }if·/ gal. a Thiodan, 2 quarts 1 pound 2 lbs/gal. Grass- Dieldrin , 2/3 pint 2 ounces hoppers 1. 5 lbs/ gal. Endrin, lJ 1 pint 0. 3 ounce lbs/gal. a Toxaphene, 2 pints 1. 5 pound 6 lbs/gal. 6 Insect Blister beetles Potato psyllids Thrips Ins ecti ci de and formulation DDT, 2 lbs/ gal. Thiodan, 2 lbs/gaJ. DDT, 2 lbs/ gal. Endrin, v lbs/gal. a Thiodan, 2 lbs/gal. Malathion, 5 lb/gal. Amount per acre 4 quarts 2 quarts 2 quarts 1 pint 2 quarts 2 pints Actual Insecticide per acre 2 pounds 1 pound 1 pound 0. 3 pound 1 pound 1. 3 pounds b. Western Nebraska: 1. Early season insects are the flea beetle, Colorado potato beetle, and the potato psyllid. Late season insects are the flea beetle I potato psyllid , aphids I grasshoppers I and leafhoppers. BHC NOT RECOMMENDED FOR POTATO INSECT CONTROL OR FOR SOIL TREATMENT WHERE POTATOES MAY BE PLANTED IN THE FUTURE BHC (Benzene hexachloride) is absorbed by potatoes and imparts a musty fl avor . It has been used as a soil treatment for com rootworms, and in several cases pota-9./ Endrin is a high toxic chemical. It should be used only by trained operators. 7 toes planted in the same ground have not been usable. BHC should not be used as a soil treatment if potatoes are to be planted later in the same ground. Manure from cattle sprayed with BHC should not be used on potato ground. Because of residues of aldrin and dieldrin in and on tubers during 19 62 and the actions taken by the Food and Drug Administration, aldrin and dieldrin are not recom-mended in Nebraska as soil insecticides for control of the tuber flea beetle and wireworms. Control materials suggested are all registered for use on potatoes . Recommendations-For Potato Insect Control Soil Applications Insect Insecticide Method Amount Actual and of per Insec-formulation appli- acre ticide cation per acre Tuber Diazinon Broad- 20 lbs . 2 Flea lOG cast Beetle and 14G Broad- 14 lbs. 2 wire- cast worms lOG Band 10 lbs . 1 14G Band 7 lbs . 1 Thi~ Band 25 lbs. 2.5 lOG a Di-~ton Band 25 lbs. 2.5 lOGa i/ Thimet or Di-Syston can be applied over the seed pieces. 8 Disease control recommendations Ring-rot and Virus Disease Control Disease Chemical Suggested Rate J Disinfection of Preferred com-J storage cellars I pounds: bins I crates I Hyamine 2389 Use at rate graders I etc. 1 Selco suggested by for ring rot Ocean 101 manufacturer. control Satisfactory com-pounds: Copper sulfate 6 lbs/100 gallons water Copper A Com- 3 lbs/100 pound gallons water Cuprocide 2 lbs/100 gallons water Tribasic Copper 3 lbs/100 Sulfate gallons water Disinfection of Mercuric chloride 1 ounce to 5 cutting knife to for Ring Rot gallons water prevent ring rot spread. Semesan Bel Follow manu-facturer's directions . Disinfection of Formaldehyde 1tsp.per cutting knife to quart of water ~ ~ prevent virus spread. ~ Scab Formaldehyde Four to six weeks before planting dip uncut potatoes for 3 to 4 min-utes into a 9 solution of 1 pint of formal-dehyde in 15 gallons of wat er kept at 121 degrees F. Drain and dry. This treatment is effective when scabby tubers are to be planted in re-latively scab-free soil. Recommended Fungicidal Chemicals For Potatoes Disease Early and late blight. Chemical Semesan Bel S Maneb 10 Suggested Rate Mix at rate of l lb. to each 7 l/2 gallons of water in treat-ing vat. Im-merse whole or cut seed pieces I remove I drain and promptly dry if not plant-ed immediately. l lb. will treat 60-80 bushels or 36 to 48 cwt. l l/2 lbs. of 80% material/ 100 gal. of water (l 00-150 gals/A) Treatment of cut seed potatoes for seed piece rot Zineb Nabam +Zinc Sulfate Bordeaux mixture Fixed copper Polyram 80 WP Captan Zineb 2 lbs. of 65% material/! 0 0 gals. of water (100-150 gals/A) 2 quarts of 19% Nabam + 1 lb. zinc sulfate to 100 gal. "Yater 8 lbs. copper sulfate + 8 lbs. hydrated lime to 100 gals. water Follow manu-facturers direc-tions. l l/2 to 2 lbs/100 gal-lons/acre. Start when plants are 6" to 8" high. Apply at 5 to 10-day intervals. 1 l/2 lbs. of 7. 5% dust per 100lbs. 1 l/2 lbs. of 5% dust per 100 lbs. POTATO lATE BLIGHT FORECASTING Phytophrthora infestans 1 the causal fungus of late blight I is extreme! y dependent upon weather conditions for survival and spread. Cool I moist weather is neces-sary for spore development and germination. Periods when night temperatures average 50-55 degrees F . I and day t emperatures are in the 6 0 1 s and 7 0 1 s are favorable for 1 1 growth. If these temperatures are coupled with drifting fog or mist, frequent rains, or heavy dews that keep the foliage wet for 12 hours or longer, the stage is set for spore development and disease progress ion. To determine more accurately climatic conditions for late blight forecasts, place a hygrothermograph instru-ment, which simultaneously records the humidity and t emperature, in a potato field . If the instrument is several feet above the soil surface, the data obtained are not exactly those obtained if the instrument were among the potato vines. Irrigation water, particularly at the lower ends of the fields where the water might stand, may cause the micro-climate about the foliage to be different from atmospheric conditions several feet above the foliage. For practical purposes, however, placing the instrument at the edge of the field i s satisfactory. The data taken from the hygrothermograph are analysed and a report made on disease conditions at weekly intervals. Varieties vary in their disease potential. Those of high potentia l should have a full season spray program with applications at 2 week intervals. Spray those of moderate potential when notified through public warning service. Spray those of l ow potential if blight can be found in the field. 6 . Weed Control a. Use chemical controls where weeds are difficult to control by cultivations. b. Pre-emergence - Eptam, Dacthal , Dymid; Post-emergence - Eptam. c. Weed burning, using shiel ds and vine lifters, controls grassy and broadleaf weeds; this pro-cedure is effective for severe grassy weed prob-lems late in the season. 7 . Vine Killing a. Na tural , slow maturation of vines results in the 12 movement of carbohydrates from vines to the tubers and consequent high specific gravity. Conver-s e ly, rapid vine killing by chemicals may result in tubers of low s pecific gravity. Some chemical vine killers caus e internal tuber discoloration. Sodium arsenite may be us ed in central and eas t e rn Nebraska as a v ine dessicant. b . Vine beating should not be practic ed more than three days before harvest. Studies in other states indicate that vine beating is followed by a rapid decrease in tuber chipping quality. 8. Harvesting a. Exposure of tubers to low temperatures (below 400f .) and high temperatures (above soop .) before or during harvest impairs their processing quality. b. In central Nebraska harvest potatoes only du ring the early morning and late afternoon when tempera-tures do not exceed 80°F. c. In western Nebraska harvest potatoes before the danger of exposure of tubers to temperatures below 40° F. occurs. If late September or early October harvesting is necessary, ridging the potato rows with soil late in the season may avoid field chill-ing of the tubers . d. Use all recommended precautions to avoid harvest injury to tubers. 9. Storage a. Reducing sugars build up in tubers at storage temperatures below 50° F. b. Chemicals to retard sprout growth and permit storage of potatoes at soo F are l. Maleic hydra-zide (MH 30) applied to the vines at the rate of one gallon per acre, four to six weeks prior to harvest, 2. Chloro-IPC applied as a vapor to potatoes in storage (one gram/cwt. of potatoes) , 3. Fusarex applied as a dust at grading time . 13 c. Tubers of s ome varieties w i ll reconstitute after cold storage at 400 F. and may be processed. Reconstitution should occur with st orage at 700 F. for l 0 days to 3 weeks . However, Haig i s unreli-able with regard to recons titution following cold storage. d. Control of storage temperature and ventilation is important; store potatoes in bins with center air ducts and taper lower part of bin side walls to center of the bin floor to form side ducts. l. Ventilate bins by forced air distributed to and through air ducts . 2. Use thermostatically controlled heaters. 3. Consult the Extension Entomologist or the Department of Horticulture and Forestry for further information. l 0. Marketing a. Test potato samples for specific gravity before and during harvest or storage. The specific gravity of processing tubers must be above l. 070. The higher the value, the better the quality; l. 080+ desirable. b . Use a "potato hydrometer" to measure specific gravity. This instrument can be obtained from the Potato Chip Institute International, 946 Hanna Building, Cleveland 15, Ohio. c. Test potato samples for reducing sugars with "chip color tester" tape which can be obtained from the Potato Chip Institute International. Low reducing sugar content is associated with light chip color and is an essential quality of chipping potatoes. d. Potatoes whic h will not process well at harvest time will not improve with storage. Find another use for them . -- - ----14 e. Do not over-ice shipments of potatoes during warm months. Chilling of tubers in transit may destroy their chipping quality; this also applie s to winter shipments. Note: For detailed information regarding processing potatoes , refer to: l . "Potato Handbook 19 60" Potato Association of America, New Brunswick, New Jersey 2. "The Production of Good Chipping Potatoes," C. W. Frutchery, H. W. Chapman and A. M. Binkley, Colorado State University, Extension Service, Fort Collins, Colorado. TOXICITY OF INSECTICIDES Consider all insecticides poisons and capable of caus-ing illness and even death to humans. THE BEST SOURCE OF INFORMATION FOR EACH INSECTICIDE IS ON THE lABEL. Always read labels thoroughly before opening containers. Laws require that labels contain several important facts. All labels will list the contents, what crops to use them on, residue information, amounts to use and time to elapse before harvest. Each container will list precautions for use and highly toxic insecti cides will provide first aid information and instructions for physicians. Most toxicity ratings are based on an oral dose ad-ministered to test animals. Ratings can be placed in these three general c.ategories: HIGH TOXICITY: (requires protective clothing and respirator for safe handling. They should be applied only by trained operators) .•. Demeton (systox), Endrin, EPN, Guthion, Metacide, methyl parathion, parathion , phos-drin, s chradan, TEPP, Thimet, Di -Syston, and Trithion. MODERATE TOXICITY: (Requires very careful handling. Undue exposure must be avoided) Aldrin, BHC, chlordane, 15 Chlorthion, Co- Ral, DDT, DDVP, Delnav, Diazinon, Dibrom , Dieldrin, Dylox, Ethion, heptachlor, lindane, Strobane, Thiodan, Toxa phe ne. SLIGHTLY TOXIC: (Exercis e careful handling) Chloro-benside, Kelthane, ronnel (Korlan) , malathi on , metho-xychlor , ovex , Perthane, rotenone , Sevin, TDE (DDD) , Tedion, and Thanite. WHAT TO DO FOR POISONING 1. Get the patient to a hospital or physician as soon as possible. Take a label for the doctor's infor-mation. Give artificial respiration if breathing has s topped. 2 . If the chemical has been swallowed and vomiting has not resulted, induce vomiting by giving a strong soap solution or a tablespoon of salt in one-half glass warm water. 3 . If insecticide is spilled on the skin, remove cloth-i ng and bathe with large amounts of soap and water, rinsing thoroughly. 4 . If insecticide gets into eyes, wash at once with flowing water and continue for several minutes. POISON CONTROL CENTERS In emergencies , poison control centers can be called day or night . Physicians can call these centers for any type of poisoning: Omaha, Nebraska . . . . 533-5400 . Childrens Memorial Hospital Denver , Colorado . . . CH 4-6969 ... Dep't. of Health & Hospitals 16 Manhattan, Kansas . . . JE 9-2244 ... Riley County Hospital Cheyenne, Wyoming. . . . 4-4431 ... Memorial Hospital Furnish all information possible to poison control center. 17 

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CC181 Growing Potatoes in Nebraska for Processing

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