b'Dry, Dry AgainDrought and extreme heat in many parts of the country over the past few years have proven to be a major challenge for many potato growers. BY: JIM TIMLICKENTERTAINER AND HUMOURIST Will Rogers once said awell below average rainfall and yields were down by as much farmer has to be an optimist, or he wouldnt still be a farmer. as 35 per cent in some fields. In fact, some farms saw less rain That optimism has been sorely tested over the past couple ofin 2020 than in 2001, which is often referred to as the last big years among Canadian potato growers. Prolonged periods ofdrought in P.E.I. To make matters worse, an early frost in mid-insufficient rainfall combined with extreme heat and drought inSeptember effectively killed a number of acres just as plants were many parts of the country have severely reduced yields, madegetting ready to bulk up. The one positive was quality remained some tubers more susceptible to disease and created a host ofrelatively high.logistical challenges when it comes to storage. The good news, according to Barrett, is the situation appears When there is insufficient soil moisture, plants cant moveto be much more positive this year. Most areas of the province water into the plant through the roots, Ryan Barrett, researchsaw average or above average rainfall through June and July and and agronomy specialist with the Prince Edward Island PotatoBarrett says the majority of acres look terrific with full canopy Board, says in an email interview in early August. This waterachieved 10 to 14 days ahead of schedule and tuber initiation also also brings essential nutrients to support plant growth and tuberahead of schedule.development. The number of tubers per plant is well above average for most During extended periods of drought, potato plantsvarieties and soil moisture levels continue to be good, so there is essentially go into survival mode and tuber growth stops.a strong chance at an above-average crop. Hopefully the weather If this goes on too long, plants begin to wilt and suffer fromin August and September makes that a reality, he adds.diseases like Verticillium wilt or early blight. In addition, high soil temperatures can cause physiological issues with tubersEerily Similarand impact the water holding capacity of the soil as well as theThe situation in Manitoba this summer was eerily similar to the biological activity of the soil. one P.E.I. experienced a year ago. The Prairie province suffered one of the driest summers ever in 2021 with some regions Hardest Hit receiving the lowest amount of precipitation on record for the Few potato producing regions of the country have been hardermonth of July.hit by heat and drought in recent times than P.E.I.Vikram Bisht, with the Manitoba Department of Agriculture The last four growing seasons prior to this year were extremelyand Resource Development, says potato growing regions in dry, especially the 2020 growing season. Central P.E.I., whichthe province received between 40 and 60 per cent of normal has the largest acreage of potatoes in the province, experiencedprecipitation levels by early August of this year. During extended periods of drought, potato plants can begin to wilt and suffer from diseases such as Verticillium wilt.PHOTO: EUGENIA BANKS14SPUDSMART.COM Fall 2021'