b'Compounding the problem was the number of days during which temperatures climbed to above 30 C. Bisht says this kind of extreme heat often leads to plants undergoing secondary sprouting with two or three generations of tubers in the same plant which in turn reduces the uniformity of potatoes.Further complicating the situation was the fact many of the streams and retention ponds growers normally use to irrigate their crops were at 25 to 50 per cent of normal capacity. Rivers were so low in some areas, the water allocation for irrigation had to be reduced, adds Bisht, an industry development specialist in potato and horticulture crops pathology.Bisht says the situation in Manitoba could turn around if the province were to have a few good rainfall events but cautioned the soil moisture profile in most potato growing regions of the province remained extremely dry in mid-August. Some dryland potato fields may not be able to turn around much even with a good rain, he adds.Back to NormalPotato growers in Ontario have had to deal with extreme heat and dry conditions for much of the past three years. Last season was shaping up to be a below-average year for yield until some much-needed rain arrived in late summer. This year is looking more promising, especially in the Shelburne and Alliston areas where planting took place in May and fields flowered right on schedule. Some late June rains and perfect potato weather in July means drought wont be a concern for most producers, says Eugenia Banks, a potato specialist for the Ontario Potato Board. A sun scorched potato stem.PHOTO: VIKRAM BISHTSPUDSMART.COM Fall 202115'