The potato harvest in Ontario is nearing the end with an estimated 70 to 90 per cent of the crop dug, an Oct. 5 email update from Eugenia Banks said.
A heat wave across southern Ontario did slow harvest progress significantly. Temperatures during the day were reaching 29 C by noon making it risky to dig potatoes. Banks noted ideal pulp temperatures for harvest are between 10 to 15 C with temperatures above 18 C increasing the risk of soft rot and Pythium leak.
“Monitoring pulp temperatures is a must. At P & K Vander Zaag farms they record the pulp temperature, variety, date, time, truck number and storage name. Detailed records are very useful if problems arise in the pile,” Banks said in the email.
According to Mark VanOostrum, about 70% of the processing crop is harvested, Banks’ email said. Meanwhile Shawn Brenn estimated the fresh market harvest is 70 to 90 per cent complete depending on the area of the province.
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