Untitled Deck Flashcards
What is the Latin name for potatoes?
Solanum tuberosum
What family do potatoes belong to?
Solanaceae
What is the average potato consumption per person in Ireland?
85kg per person
How many hectares of potatoes are planted on average in Ireland each year?
About 9,000 hectares per year
What percentage of potato production in Ireland is concentrated in Meath, Dublin, Donegal, Cork, and Louth?
80%
What is the first stage of the potato growth cycle?
Sprout development
What occurs during the vegetative growth stage of potatoes?
The green material of the plant grows, and photosynthesis begins.
What happens during the maturation stage of potato growth?
Leaves turn yellow, photosynthesis decreases, and tuber growth decreases.
What are the three classifications of potato types based on harvesting time?
First early, second early, maincrop
What are salad potatoes characterized by?
Small and quick to cook, supplied from August to December.
What are the advantages of certified seed potatoes?
High percentage germination, better rates of establishment, higher yield, fewer weeds, fewer pests and diseases.
What is the main disadvantage of certified seed potatoes?
They can be expensive and must be bought every 2-3 years.
What is the recommended pH for potato cultivation?
5.5 - 6.0
What is chitting in potato cultivation?
Encouraging seed potatoes to sprout to 1cm before planting.
What is the main disease affecting potatoes in Ireland?
Potato blight (Phytophthora infestans)
What is the primary control method for potato blight?
Fungicide application
What is the effect of excess nitrogen on potato crops?
It can cause delayed maturity and increased vulnerability to disease.
What are the main pests affecting potato crops?
Potato cyst eelworms, slugs, wireworms, and aphids.
What is the process of earthing up in potato cultivation?
Mounding the soil further up the growing haulm.
What should be done to haulms before harvesting potatoes?
They must be desiccated 3 weeks prior to harvest.
What is the ideal storage condition for potatoes?
Cool and dry conditions.
What can cause bruised and damaged tubers?
Worn and sharp edges on machinery parts.
What is the expected yield for maincrop potatoes?
30-40 tonnes per hectare.
What is a risk associated with allowing potatoes to drop?
Allowing potatoes to drop in height in excess of 20cm can cause damage.
What conditions are necessary for potato storage?
Potatoes need to be stored cool and dry.
Why is ventilation important in potato storage?
Ventilation in the storage shed is important to maintain quality.
What is a safety concern for farm workers during harvest?
Farm workers are tired and working hard with dangerous machinery.
What can be sprayed on potatoes to prevent sprouting?
Inhibitors can be sprayed on potatoes to prevent sprouting.
What should be ensured regarding machinery during harvest?
Ensure all machinery is in good working condition.
What should you avoid doing while a harvester is in operation?
Do not walk behind the harvester while it is in operation.
What protective equipment should be worn when handling chemicals?
Wear PPE when handling chemicals such as sprout inhibitors.
How is agricultural biotechnology being applied in potato farming?
It is being applied to improve disease resistance and quality.
What are the implications of agricultural biotechnology?
It has major implications for sustainability.
What challenges may agricultural biotechnology help address?
It may help with challenges like banned chemicals or climate change.
