PoppeLandbouw reports on their innovative approach to address the challenges posed by Phytophthora in organic potato farming.
Phytophthora, a devastating disease, can significantly impact both the yield and quality of potato crops in organic agriculture.
Despite the current weather conditions being too cold and wet for planting potatoes, PoppeLandbouw is taking proactive measures to gain an advantage in the upcoming season. They have begun to place a portion of their seed potatoes in Joppe bags. Once inside the bags, the seed potatoes are placed outdoors on the farm, where they undergo a process of hardening, resulting in the formation of short, sturdy sprouts. These sprouts provide a growth advantage when the potatoes are eventually planted in the ground.
By utilizing this method, PoppeLandbouw aims to achieve smoother and more uniform potato growth after planting from the Joppe bags. This, in turn, facilitates weed control during the growing season. Additionally, the farm hopes that by preemptively addressing Phytophthora, any potential impact on yield and quality can be minimized.
This proactive approach demonstrates PoppeLandbouw’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in organic potato farming, as they seek to mitigate the challenges posed by plant diseases while ensuring a successful harvest.
