Potato supplies likely to be tight as drought hits growers

THE potato crop outlook is now ‘critical’, according to the latest update from Teagasc.

The crop has been badly affected by the current drought conditions, and while some growers have access to irrigation, approximately 75pc of the national crop has not received irrigation this year.

The relatively late start to the season, combined with a reduction of approximately 14pc in the overall area planted, means that supplies of potatoes are likely to be very tight this year.

“The situation in the north-east is critical,” said Shane Kennedy, a Teagasc potato advisor based in Drogheda.

“Crops that have been irrigated are growing well, however those that have not received water are not growing at all, tubers are small and many have been infected by common scab”.

“It is very difficult to predict overall yield at this stage, but crops could easily be back by 20pc on average.”

It’s a similar story in the south-east where some early and main crops have suffered badly.

“Skin finish has been affected in crops that are not irrigated,” says John Pettit, a Teagasc advisor based in Johnstown Castle, Co Wexford.

“Tuber bulking has been significantly affected where crops have received no irrigation. Foliage on these crops is also starting to die back leaving very poor yield potential in such crops,” he said.

“Irrigated crops however are looking very well with good yield potential and excellent skin finish. With some growers having applied as much as eight applications of water with an irrigator, the additional costs incurred are very significant.”

Teagasc potato specialist Shay Phelan recommended that growers assess each crop to see if there are actions that can be taken to preserve yields and quality in crops, and should also consult with their customers sooner rather than later.

“There is not a lot that growers can do to crops that haven’t been irrigated to date to improve skin finish or yield therefore it may well be better to concentrate on existing irrigated crops,” he said.

Growers should talk to their customers to discuss quality parameters such as skin finish and final saleable size. Skin blemishes, mainly caused by common scab, are purely cosmetic and have no impact on cooking or eating quality.