The Danish company MSR Plant Technology markets a potato killing machine that destroys the potato stalks at the base and covers them with soil. The machine tool carrier is also used for mechanical weed control and back-grounding.
The machine places the potato tops on top or between the ridges as desired. For potato varieties that are susceptible to fungal infestation and blackleg it is recommended to place the foliage between the ridges. If the foliage is placed on the ridges, the chance of drying out is smaller.
Gear wheels technology
Covering the broken stem base with soil also prevents fungal disease and drying out, as well as regrowth. The stem base is destroyed by patented precision hydraulic technology, based on two gears with different rotational speeds. The adjustable precision of the machine prevents the potato tubers from rising above the ground due to the operation. The ridges also remain intact thanks to the precision technology.
It takes about half an hour per element to convert the machine from an ‘Opti Weeder into a’ Crown Crusher ‘. The various options offered by the tool carrier make the machine unique, according to developer Michael Stolberg-Rohr. Trials in 2020 have shown that the combination of grounding of the ridges just before the potato foliage closes between the ridges and mechanical haulm killing with the Crown Crusher increases the effect of the haulm killing. One operation with the Crown Crusher is sufficient this way. The driving speed at the foliage kills can be 8-12 kilometers per hour. According to the developer, the capacity is much greater than with other forms of non-chemical leaf killing. The driving speed when using the machine to weed and ground weeds is 15-20 kilometers per hour.
Eight rows in development
An optional feature is provided that lifts hanging stems before destroying the stem base. The Opti Weeder is produced in a two-, four-, six- and eight-row construction, while the Crown Crusher is available in a two- and four-row machine. Work is being done on a machine that can handle eight rows. This year developer Michael Stolberg –Rohr 25-30- expects to be able to sell machines. The machine has been awarded a three star recognition by the Danish Agromek exhibition organization.
