Five points to note when introducing spring potatoes

At present, it is exactly the season for planting potatoes. When transferring and purchasing seed potatoes, be sure to understand in detail the latitude, altitude, climatic conditions and other circumstances of the production area of the potato seed tubers, and correctly choose the production area and variety according to the rules of potato introduction. Specifically, pay attention to the following five aspects:

1. Latitude and altitude

Trials show that introduction from high altitude to low altitude and from high latitude to low latitude is likely to succeed. The reason is that during the growth period of potatoes at high altitude and high latitude, the temperature is relatively low, the seed tubers are less infected by viruses and degenerate slowly, and when introduced to low altitude and low latitude for planting, they generally perform well, with a high success rate.

2. Climatic conditions

For introduction from distant places, it depends on whether the climatic conditions of the introduction area and the production area are close, that is, whether the climate of the two places is similar in the same season or whether the climate of the two places is similar in different seasons. For example, the winter climate of the south and the summer climate of the north have similarities, with close temperatures and not much difference in rainfall. In this way, introduced varieties are likely to succeed.

3. Growth period of the variety

Potatoes like light and are sensitive to light. When introduced from a long-day area to a short-day area, they often do not flower, but the effect on the growth of underground tubers is not too great; while after short-day varieties are introduced to long-day areas, sometimes they do not form tubers. Temperature has a great relationship with potato growth, especially during the tuber formation period. If the soil temperature exceeds 25°C, the tubers will basically stop growing. Therefore, when introducing, attention must be paid to the length of the growth period of the variety. In particular, when our province introduces from the north, it must introduce early-maturing and mid-early-maturing varieties, and strive to harvest before the temperature rises.

4. Use virus-free seed tubers

Viral disease is the main cause of potato variety degeneration. It destroys the normal internal functions of the plant. Even if other growth conditions are met, the plant still cannot grow well and severe yield reduction is unavoidable. However, virus-free potato plants have well-developed root systems and strong absorption capacity, with thick stems and luxuriant leaves, generally increasing yield by more than 30%.

It is necessary to introduce early-generation virus-free seed potatoes: early-generation seed potatoes are planted for a short time after detoxification, have few opportunities to be re-infected with viruses, and have a very low incidence rate after planting. Compared with late-generation virus-free seed potatoes, they grow more robustly and have a larger yield increase. For the purpose of producing commercial potatoes and processing potatoes, generally choose secondary or tertiary virus-free potatoes. When introducing or purchasing seeds, choose official seed operating units and scientific research departments. At the same time, ask clearly which virus-free seed potato base the purchased seed potatoes come from, and whether there are a "seed qualification certificate", "seed quarantine certificate", etc.

5. Pay attention to trial planting and demonstration

Within the same climate type area, introduction from relatively close areas can generally be used directly. However, where the climate type is different and the place is relatively far away, the introduced new variety must go through a trial planting process, and only after trial planting confirms that it is superior to the varieties planted in the field in terms of yield, quality, resistance, etc., can the planting area be expanded.