Two methods of autumn potato planting

Whole-tuber planting

Using whole tubers for planting is currently the most effective method for controlling tuber rot and seedling death. In Shandong, Henan and other places, planting is generally done in mid-August.

Standards for whole tubers

Whole tubers used for autumn planting are mostly small tubers of about 50 grams that were harvested early from spring planting and carefully selected. Whole-tuber planting generally requires more than double the seed quantity of cut-tuber planting, with about 300 kg of small tubers of about 50 grams needed per 667 sq m. These small tubers should all be unbruised, disease-free, crack-free, with bright skin color and moderate size.

Treatment of whole tubers

For autumn planting of whole tubers, a relatively high concentration of "920" solution is needed to break tuber dormancy and ensure uniform, strong seedlings. For general varieties, a "920" solution at a concentration of 5 mg per kg can be used, soaking for 5 minutes 5 days before planting, then removing and immediately burying in wet sand to sprout for 5 days. When the sprouts grow to 1-2 cm, plant them. During sprouting in wet sand, do not spray water casually. If time permits, a sand bed can also be used for sprouting about 25 days before planting, without soaking in "920". The method is: first dip the whole tubers in clean well water, remove them, and bury them in wet sand, spreading 5 cm of sand, laying tubers 20 cm deep, covering with 5-6 cm of wet sand on top and around all sides, spraying water once every 2 days. When the sprouts reach 2 cm, they can be planted. Strictly guard against excessive moisture causing tuber rot.

Cut-tuber planting

For autumn potato cultivation with cut-tuber planting, it is necessary to master the planting period well, handle the cut pieces properly, and operate carefully, and a relatively good harvest can still be achieved. First is the cutting location: in the high-temperature season, a cool and shady place must be chosen, generally indoors. Second, the knife, board and other tools used should be strictly disinfected; the cutting knife should be sharp, thin and absolutely clean. Third, after the tubers are cut, they should be promptly washed 3-4 times with clean well water, then spread on a clean mat indoors to dry, which takes about 3-4 hours. Never dry the seed outdoors, to avoid the cut surfaces turning brown and the seed rotting during sprouting. Fourth is sprouting in a sand bed. On a 5 cm thick layer of wet sand, spread the cut pieces on top without overlapping, then cover with sand until the cut pieces are no longer visible. Place another layer of cut pieces on top, also without overlapping, then cover with sand again. A maximum of 4 layers can be placed. On top of the last layer, cover with another 5 cm of sand; the sand should be clean and moist. After 5 days of sprouting, the cut surfaces can heal. Do not water, to prevent rot. This should be done more carefully than sand-bed sprouting of small whole tubers, and the sand should be slightly on the dry side, which is beneficial for healing the cut surfaces. Generally, whole tubers are planted in early to mid-August, and cut-tuber planting is best around August 20.