From anthocyanin and aphids, to zone sampling and zero-tolerance diseases… Potato Production Systems covers every aspect of potatoes (View the book table of contents in PDF format). There's never been a professional potato manual like it. View chapter 4 'Seed Production and Certification' in PDF format.
Subject areas covered include:
Potato Growth and Development
Understand the potato plant's basic structure and growth patterns so as to make appropriate and timely management decisions that result in maximum harvest yield and the highest quality tubers.Potato Variety Selection and Management
Get expert advice on selecting varieties to grow and sell. Photos, descriptions and extensive information on planting, management, disease and rot resistance, market acceptance, economic advantages, and general characteristics of all major commercial varieties.Seed and Planting Management
Selecting high-quality seed is an essential first step for growing a quality potato crop. Should you plant certified seed? How do you determine the proper sizes to cut seeds to? Learn correct planting methods, and early seed and planting management.Seed Production and Certification
High quality seed is essential for the production of a profitable potato crop. Learn all about the processes involved in producing high quality seed and completion of the certification process.Field Selection, Crop Rotation, and Soil Management
Cover your key decisions before planting. Learn how to
(1) select suitable fields for potato production
(2) choose compatible crop sequences for rotation
(3) develop appropriate tillage and residue management systems
(4) adapt management plans on a field-by-field basis to maximize production efficiencyIntegrated Pest Management for Potatoes
Access the cumulative knowledge of over three decades of potato integrated pest management research at the University of Idaho, Idaho Department of Agriculture, and other agencies. Extensive coverage of scientific principals and applied techniques for IMP of potato diseases, weeds, insects, and nematodes shows how to reduce costs of chemical inputs while improving field conditions, and increasing product quality.Disease Management
Find out about the three factors that make up the sides of the "disease triangle" (1) a susceptible host, (2) a plant pathogen, and (3) environmental conditions favorable for disease development. All three must be present and can be defeated by various control strategies described in Potato Production Systems.Nematode Management
Nematodes, "the unseen enemy," are tiny worm-like animals, that have the ability to move between soil particles, the folded leaves of plant buds, in the air spaces of leaves and stems, and even in plant tissues themselves. Learn how, when and where to sample for nematodes. Diagnose conditions using PPS's color photos and descriptions. Choose your best management weapons from an arsenal of topical chemical, fumigant, organic and prevention options.Green Manures in Potato Cropping Systems
Use legumes, oilseed radish, yellow mustard, sudangrass, and other green manures to
- Biologically fix nitrogen to potatoes and subsequent crops,
- Increase potato yield and quality
- Enhance soil properties and organic matter content
- Improve water infiltration and soil water holding capacity
- Suppress soil-borne potato diseases, nematodes, and weeds
- Control soil erosion with winter cover crops
Potato Nutrient Management
Find current nutrient management guidelines and precise nutrient levels to apply for all major potato varieties. Expert data obtained from field trials conducted by the University of Idaho and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), as well as from on-farm fertilizer response trials done cooperatively with growers, crop advisers, and consultants.Tuber Quality
Size, shape, appearance, absence of diseases or defects, flavor, and texture all contribute to a potato's quality, visual appeal, consumer preference, and ability to match market specifications. Find out how the physiology of tuber starch and sugars affect your chances for optimizing tuber quality-and how to produce the best product!Economics and Marketing
Imagine the potato market as a chain linking producers on one end to consumers at the other end. Fresh packers, processors, wholesalers, transporters, retailers, and restaurants make up some of the other links on the chain. Plain talk explanations of potato economics help you make informed marketing decisions.Production Costs
The cost of potato production is influenced by all factors that determine the productivity of land, the type of resources committed to the production process, and the alternative uses of these resources. In depth analysis tools, charts, and methods help you create best estimates and minimize expenses.
©2003 University of Idaho.