b'ANOTHER SEASONS PROMISEMaximizing the Potential of your SeedTHERE IS A LOT of diversity in potato productionIf you are cutting and storing seed ahead of planting, from coast to coast in Canada, be it varieties, markets,give yourself enough time (10-14 days ideally) for that planting and harvest dates, and growing conditions.seed to suberize before heading to the field. Local research However, one thing that all growers have in commonin P.E.I. has shown that several varieties respond better to is the need for high quality seed. There are myriadpre-cutting, especially varieties known to be susceptible factors that go into making a high-quality seed lot, tooto soft rot or blackleg; however, this advantage is not many for one agronomy article. Many of these factorsuniversal to all varieties and growing regions. Regardless are set before you take possession of your seed, likeof when you cut, ensure that seed is warmed up before physiological age, virus level, other diseases and tuber size.cutting and use sharp knives to avoid jagged cut edges, as RYAN BARRETT,Nonetheless, there are many factors to consider after youthese are ideal breeding grounds for soft rot bacteria. Keep research andtake possession of your seed that play a significant roleyour knives frequently cleaned and disinfected!agronomy specialist with thein whether your crop will be able to reach its yield and Prince Edwardquality potential.Island Potato BoardReceiving/Storing SeedAfter taking possession of their seed, take care to ensureRegardless of when you cut, that seed is being stored in buildings that have not been previously treated with CIPC. John Walsh, a researcherensure that seed is warmedwith McCain Foods in New Brunswick, has shown thatup before cutting andeven tiny amounts of CIPC residue from storage surfacesuse sharp knives to avoid can reduce yield potential in seed stored temporarily in those buildings. Steam cleaning can help to reduce CIPCjagged cut edges, as theseresidue, but storing seed in storages with no CIPC historyare ideal breeding groundsis ideal. In addition, ensure adequate ventilation through your seed after delivery, with lots of air and as low asfor soft rot bacteria.possible pile heights to reduce the potential for pressure bruising and the spread of tuber diseases like Fusarium dry rot and bacterial soft rot.Seed Cutting Bruise ReductionIncreasingly, we see evidence that larger seed piece sizeA fundamental key to seed handling is bruise reduction. is associated with larger yields. While this may requireCarefully examine all parts of your seed handling system, more cwt of seed per acre at planting, this expense is moreincluding the set cutter, treaters, conveyors, elevators, than compensated through more even emergence andtrucks, planter loaders and planters to minimize drop improved yields on most varieties. The single best thingdistances and cushion impact surfaces. Previous research that a grower can do to improve the yield potential ofin the U.S. has shown that drops of six inches or more their seed lot is to eliminate those seed slivers 1.5 ouncesonto hard edges or corners will cause bruising 100 per and smaller after cutting. On most varieties, these seedcent of the time. Ensure that all members of your seed pieces are more likely to have set rot, a lack of viable eyes,handling team make minimizing drops a priority, as and reduced yield potential. Eliminating these small,bruises are a great entry point for seed decay pathogens, in low-potential pieces will go a long way to tightening theaddition to the negative physiological effects of bruise.distribution of seed piece size, which in turn will help youAll my best to Canadian potato growers as they get land on the right spacing to achieve consistent emergence. ready to plant another seasons promise in the ground! 28SPUDSMART.COMSpring 2024'