Potato, commonly known as "yam egg" or "potato," is one of the common vegetables in people's lives. With a large market demand, many farmers cultivate potatoes. Good management during the seedling stage is crucial for successful potato cultivation. Let's discuss the key points in potato seedling management below.
1. Inter-row Cultivation and Weeding
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Early Growth Period: Loosen the soil to promote root and stolon development. Ensure adequate soil moisture and warmth.
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Slow Growth Period: Increase inter-row cultivation frequency and reduce watering to improve soil temperature and promote root establishment.
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Dry Weather: Water once after emergence, followed by timely inter-row cultivation to maintain soil looseness.
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Late Growth Period: Increase watering slightly to promote stem and leaf growth. Apply quick-acting nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers as needed.
2. Fertilization and Irrigation Management
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Before Tubering: Control watering to promote tuber enlargement and prevent excessive vegetative growth.
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Tubering Stage: Apply potassium fertilizer to promote tuberization. Adjust fertilizer application based on plant growth.
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Flowering Stage: Maintain soil moisture to support tuber enlargement. Water as needed to keep soil moisture at around 70% of field capacity.
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Pre-harvest: Apply foliar fertilizers containing urea and potassium to supplement nutrients for maximum yield.
3. Flower Removal
For varieties with abundant flowering, remove excess flowers to divert energy to tuber formation. Be careful not to damage the flag leaves during flower removal.
4. Application of Growth Regulators
Apply growth regulators such as 50-100ppm paclobutrazol or 100ppm difenoconazole to prevent excessive vegetative growth.
5. Foliar Fertilization
Apply foliar fertilizers containing urea and potassium about 15 days before harvest to supplement nutrients and improve yield.
6. Pest and Disease Control
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Diseases: Control diseases such as late blight, early blight, and viral diseases with appropriate fungicides.
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Insects: Control pests such as potato tuberworm and Colorado potato beetle with insecticides.
Proper seedling management is essential for potato cultivation. Strengthening management practices during the seedling stage creates favorable conditions for seedling growth and development.
