Feedback from export markets indicates a desire for a maximum seed size of 55mm. Reducing dry rot, soft rot and gangrene Diseases that cause rotting have been identified as the most important factor affecting the export sales of Northern Ireland seed potatoes. Urgent action is needed to address this problem. No single measure on its own will eliminate these diseases as they can infect the crop at many stages in the production cycle. Apply sulphuric acid to destroy the haulm.
Acid is the quickest method, encouraging rapid skin set and minimum disease incidence.
Once skin set is complete, harvesting should be completed as soon as possible. Eliminate damage at harvest, loading and grading. Wet crops should be dried with positive ventilation immediately after harvest and application of fungicide seed treatments. This reduces the spread of many soft rots that thrive in moist conditions. Cure crops prior to storage and after grading.