b'virus, potato virus A, potato virus V,Prepare soil to ensure good root- andtemperaturesarebelow45F.potato virus Y, Potato spindle tuber ing for efficient water and nutrient Thumbnail cracks often heal slowly,viroid,Potatoyellowdwarfvirus, uptake. increasing tuber water loss and themosaic virus and Rhizoctonia have potentialfordiseaseentry(Figurebeen reported to cause tuber crack-Ensure uniform plant spacing and 7). ing.avoid low density planting.Maintainadequatesoilmoisture StrategiestoreducethumbnailDeterminingthecauseofgrowth andnutritionthroughoutthesea- cracks:cracks can be difficult. Examination son.offieldpatterns,foliarsymptomsAvoid harvesting when tuber andand/or laboratory testing of foliagePrevent exposure to herbicides. airtemperaturesarewidelydiffer-and/or tubers can help in determin- ent,especiallywhentubersareing if a disease, herbicide or physio- Thumbnailcracks/airchecksare highly hydrated.logical factor is the cause. shallow,arch-shapedbreaksinthe Harvestandhandletuberswithskin. These cracks can be the result pulp temperatures between 45 to 65Strategies to reduce growth cracks: of mild impact from handling cold, F.very turgid tubers. Sometimes fresh-Selectcultivarsthatarelesssus- ly dug tubers that are exposed to airReduce impact locations by mini-ceptible to cracking. ortubersinstoragecandevelop mizingdropsandpaddingequip-thumbnailcracks.Thumbnail ment. Purchase certified seed that is free cracks have been reported to occurfromdiseasesandherbicide whentubershavehighhydrationEnsure proper wound healing inresidues. storage.Techmark Your partner inStorage Storage Ventilation SystemsLaboratory Services for Sugar TestingImpact Recording Device (IRD)Storage Management ConsultingRefrigeration SystemsFor over 30 years, Techmark has been commied to serving the potato industry through innovaon and quality design.We are a world leader in storage venlaon and storage quality management. Visit our website at www.techmark-inc.com or contact us at 517.322.025014 POTATO GROWER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020'