The Bozeman courier. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1919-1954, 1927-05-06
(From Montana state CoIIege)

vt is very probable that the certified
seed potato producers OF Montana VIII
n this year meet their severest test, eau
tions F. NJ. Harrington, horticulturist
for the Montana experiment station. II
a serious setback to the industry is to be
avoided and if the reputation OF Mon
tana-grOwn seed potatoes is 70 be main
tanned growers must exert every effort to
produce seed of the size and quality de-
manded by the southern trade, he says.
The critical situation arises largely be-
cause of the conditions under which last
years crop was raised and sold, says Mr..
Harrington. At shipping time last fall
Montana seed potatoes were in great de-
mand by southern growers. Prices were
very attractive. The scarcity OF good
seed caused buyers to be less stringent.
In many cases potatoes were sold Tor
seed which in other years would have
been rejected. Consequently, results from
some of the Montana-grown seed are not
as favorable as in other years. Compel
ing states have been quick to & adj
vantage of the situation to boost their
own stock at the expense OF that from
Montana. .
If growers are planning their present
seasons work on the basis OF the past
seasons experience under the assumption
that the high prices n stand
ards of quality will prevail again next
fall. the seed potato reputation OF this
state is bound to suffer, says the horti-
culturist.
Size and freedom from disease are the
two big factors which growers must con-
centrate upon if they would maintain
standards and retain their enviable posi-
ton on the southern market. Potatoes
WEIGHING more than II ounces are not
desired for seed. Because of the scarcity
last fall this minimum was disregarded
and some larger potatoes were shipped.
They are not giving satisfaction TO SOUTH
ern growers.
If growers are under the impression
that any sized potato Will be welcome
again next fall they may sacrifice size
for volume. Larger potatoes do give
greater tonnage but from this seasons
experience southern growers will not
want them. n means that the grower
producing the highest percentage of po-
tatOes under II ounces will receive the
greatest returns
In the irrigated sections of northern
Montana and the Gallatin valley size car
be controlled with water, Mr.. Harr1ng-
ton points. Frequent irrigation during
the growing season will produce large
potatoes. In many cases a thorough IT.
rigation at the beginning Of the season
will be enough to carry the potatoe:
through with the assurance that size viii
be limited. On light soils, moisture dis
appears rapidly and more frequent irri'
cations may be necessary. In such case
other means are necessary to hold down
size.
Growers will also improve their see'
potatoes if they will plant larger seeC
pieces, says Mr.. Harrington. The large
piece produces a more vigorous, sturd,
plant and more potatoes will set. tn
average size of potatoes will be smalle
where there are many to each plant thai
where there are a few.
Closer planting also helps hold dow
size and IS a practice that should be fol
lowed by seed potato growers. However
when potatoes are planted close togethe
they should be planted according to tn