Giancarlo, Luca and Filippo Tramonti
"The PK060108 selection from Agrico (Netherlands) had excellent performances. I believe we will hear its name again and again in the future," explained Crea Bologna researcher Bruno Parisi.
Bruno Parisi
In Romagna, new potatoes are harvested early and sold in crates directly to local wholesale markets (Rimini and Cesena) and to the H&R sector. In 2016, yields were around 70 ton per hectare. This year, quantities are lower due to the weather, but grades and overall weight are good.
"The Gazelle, Gaudì, Classico, Universa, Orlena, Furtus, Albertine and Giorgina varieties are sill being tested, but their performance is also good. Basically they represent a change from varieties such as Jaerla and Liseta."
The PK060108 selection at Agrico
The varieties of the future will have to have a more regular shape, be easy to wash and rustic. In Romagna, the production cycle lasts 90 days with sowing in mid-February/mid-March and harvesting from mid-May to Mid-June.
Two fertilising treatments were carried out in January, as well as soil sterilisation with calcium cyanamide.
Sowing was carried out on 23rd February with a 45cx20 cm scheme and tubers cut in 3-5 pieces. Weed control was carried out on 18th March, followed by a nutritional treatment and the crop was then earthed up. A soil pesticide treatment was carried out on 21st April, followed by a nutritional one. Biostimulants were used in May.
"Tubers must be earthed up properly, otherwise they become green (chlorophyll) and cannot be sold. Irrigation must also be carried out carefully."
"It must be frequent and with moderate amounts of water so as to avoid cracking the soil, otherwise it lets light through damaging the tubers."
Drones now used for biological interventions (www.desangosse.it).
After illustrating the potato varieties, De Sangosse demonstrated how drones can be used to distribute capsules of useful insects.
Giuseppe Iapoce - Marketing Dept
Consorzio Agrario Adriatico
Via Santa Rita da Cascia 119
47521 Cesena (FC) - Italy
Tel.: (+39) 0547 633511
Web: www.consorzioagrario.it