Seed selection essential for potato farming to flourish
The most crucial element of successful potato farming is the use of high-quality seeds. According to the Potato Production Guide for Namibia issued by the Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB), producers should purchase and use only uncut, certified disease- and pest-free seed potatoes (tubers). By doing so, they can prevent many problems later on during their operations.Tubers vary in size, colour and texture.
Seed tubers are usually about 25 mm to 55 mm in size.
“Seed potatoes are the most expensive input for potato production and make up about 40% of input costs, and they are sold in 25-kg pockets,” NAB noted.
Sprouting the seed tubers before planting allows them to commence growth prior to being planted in the field, thereby reducing the time from planting to emergence.
NAB advised producers to sprout seed potatoes by placing them in trays away from direct sunlight at 18 degrees Celsius and moving them to a cooler place once they begin to sprout.
“When shoots are 2.5 metres long, which takes about six weeks, they are ready to be planted," NAB explained.
Additionally, producers are advised to avoid excessive sprouting, as sprouts can break during planting.
Furthermore, it is strongly recommended to always plant certified seed potatoes, as uncertified ones may introduce diseases and pests that can significantly impact yields.
“Where own tubers are used to replant, they should not be replanted more than once after their original certified version, as seeds may lose their original quality.”
According to NAB, certified seeds are produced under virus- and disease-free conditions, and tubers from retail shops are risky to plant as these, especially imported ones, may have been treated to prevent sprouting.