While going through the history of our blog we discovered
that we had more visits to the blog post concerning skin set on potatoes than
any other. We decided it’s time to revisit that blog but also post a new one on
what it takes to set up a potato crop for good skin set.
The process of skin set, the thickening of the outer-most
cells on the potato, is a natural occurrence when the potato plant has
completed the movement of sugars from the leaves to the tubers. It is part of
the maturing process that will keep the tuber from degrading during storage.
This all seems like an easy task but in the Skagit Valley skin set can take
several weeks after the plants have died.
A few things can be done early in the plant development to
help the maturing process:
1.
Do not apply nitrate forms of nitrogen early in the
plant’s development. This has a negative effect on the plant by pushing top
growth and reducing root development.
2.
Get as much calcium, boron, silica, and magnesium into
the plant as possible. Start early and go long! These elements will enhance
cell wall strength, reduce stress, and increase photosynthesis all of which are
critical to keep plant top growth in check.
3.
If at all possible, use a water surfactant pre-plant
and during the growing season to move both irrigation and rain more
efficiently. We have been using a product called Integrate 80 with a great deal
of success. It will move water both vertically and horizontally creating a
better water distribution path.
These are a few ideas that you can try to help your potatoes
achieve a stress-free crop. If you follow through with these three ideas and
use the finishing program, also posted, I’m confident you will be satisfied
with the end results.
