A tuber is a tuber is a tuber coming out of the ground, right? Nope – though one spud might look just as firm and just as healthy as another, there can be a huge difference in each tuber’s hormonal make-up based on the stress each has undergone throughout the growing season and at harvest. That hormonal composition has a very direct impact on storability.
Potatoes that undergo stress at any point in the growing season become physiologically ‘older’ than potatoes grown under ideal conditions. That means that their ability to hold dormancy is dramatically reduced. While it’s not possible to control all moisture and temperature stress, it is possible to control the agronomic decisions — especially late season agronomics — that can dramatically contribute to tuber aging and impact storability. That includes fertility decisions, irrigation rates, choices on when to harvest, and more.
One related point I’ve noticed is this: if growing conditions at any point in the season are really challenging but harvest conditions are excellent, many producers overlook the stress contributed during the growing season and assume the potatoes should store well. That’s not the case: stress at any point in the growing season contributes to storability. I highly advise that producers keep notes throughout the growing season. If you notice plants in specific fields looking stressed, make a note that they should be in your first-to-ship pile.
Keeping careful notes about your agronomy program, what you see in specific fields, and how those specific fields’ spuds store may also allow you to correlate data and see storability patterns emerging over time. The very best management tool your ability to leverage your knowledge.
Here’s one more key about stress. It’s not just potatoes feeling it. Farming is harder than it has ever been before. Mother Nature seems increasingly unpredictable, the markets are fickle, and the costs associated with production are astronomical and growing. Stress specifically and mental health more broadly are things we all need to be talking about openly. If you are struggling under pressure that feels bigger than you can carry, the strongest and bravest thing you can do is look for some help. Mental health is exactly like physical health: each and every one of our bodies go through certain phases of great health and certain phases of lesser health. There are resources available. My favourite is DoMoreAg.ag – check them out. It could make a big difference in your life or the life of someone you care about.
