How to manage potatoes before and after emergence? Latest measures explained in detail

During the emergence stage of potatoes, it is a critical period to ensure early emergence, full emergence, and strong seedlings, laying the foundation for a high yield, so management during this period is extremely important. So how should potatoes be managed before and after emergence? Follow the editor to take a look at the management measures for potatoes before and after emergence.

1. Thinning and final thinning of seedlings

After the potato seedlings emerge uniformly, check the seedlings, thin them, and set the final stand in time. For missing seedlings, replant in time to ensure a full stand. After the seedlings are fully established, thin and set the final stand in time; when thinning, remove the weak and keep the strong. The first thinning should leave 3-4 plants per hole, and after the second thinning leave 1-2 plants per hole.

2. Intertillage and earthing up

Intertillage and loosening the soil can make the tuber layer soil loose and airy, which is beneficial to root growth, stolon elongation, and tuber expansion. Before emergence, if the soil is compacted, loosen the soil immediately to facilitate emergence. After the seedlings are fully established, carry out the first intertillage to a depth of 8-10 cm, combined with weeding; 10-15 days after the first intertillage, carry out the second intertillage. When potatoes are at the bud stage, carry out the third intertillage. The second intertillage should be shallow, and earthing up is also needed at the same time; the thickness of the earthing up should not exceed 10 cm, so as to thicken the tuber-setting layer, avoid exposed tubers, and reduce quality.

3. Timely topdressing

Because potatoes take a relatively long time from sowing to emergence, after emergence apply a sprout seedling fertilizer early with clear manure water plus a small amount of nitrogen fertilizer to promote rapid seedling growth. At the bud stage, combine earthing up with one topdressing of tuber-setting fertilizer; at this time, the fertilizer should be mainly potassium fertilizer, with nitrogen fertilizer added, and the amount applied should be determined according to plant growth. After potatoes bloom, generally no further fertilization is needed. If later there is premature aging due to fertilizer deficiency, foliar spraying can be carried out with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers or trace elements.

4. Chemical regulation

At the bud stage, use 35 grams of paclobutrazol per mu plus 60 kg of water for uniform spraying. On one hand, this can prevent excessive vegetative growth of potato plants, making the plants shorter, leaves thicker, stems thicker, and leaf color darker; on the other hand, it can also promote underground growth, speed up tuber expansion, and increase yield. At the same time, it is also necessary to do a good job in preventing and controlling late blight and controlling underground pests, to ensure a high and stable potato harvest.

The above is an introduction to management measures for potatoes before and after emergence. I hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please keep following us.