Acreage in Dalhart is mostly for September-October harvest. High night temperatures during tuber set and tuber enlargement can reduce yields to levels below 250 sacks per acre. The potato produces highest tuber quality and yield when air and soil temperatures are relatively cool. Potato leaves are not frost tolerant. Tuber initiation is strongly influenced by air temperature and day length.
Short days induce tuberization.
The temperature-sensitive parts for tuberization are the tops not the stolons. This explains why we have less tubers set per plant when day temperatures are over 90 degrees F., and night temperatures are in the high 60's by mid May, when our day length is approaching 14 hours. Water Requirements Estimated daily water consumptive use was calculated for a mid March planted potato crop to be harvested in late July. The total estimated water consumption for the crop is 26.7 inches. Actual irrigation records show a total of 24 to over 40 inches has been applied in past years, depending on variety, planting date, harvest date, and seasonal weather.