Potato growers in the southwest of São Paulo are finishing winter crop planting, in line with the regional calendar. Frosts recorded in late June are expected to reduce yields, leading to smaller tubers, particularly for crops harvested from August onward, with the greatest impact projected in September. Harvesting began in June and is scheduled to continue through December, with about 60% of the crop expected to be marketed by the end of August.
The lots currently being harvested show good quality, though skins have not set completely due to the low temperatures in July. Limited sunlight during the day has slowed crop cycles. This year's mild climate has delayed development but remains less harmful than periods of high heat. Low rainfall in the season is favorable, as crops depend on irrigation.
Pest pressure varied across planting cycles. In early plantings, vaquinha (Diabrotica speciosa beetle) was the main issue, linked to high temperatures in February and March. From June onward, and more intensively in July, wireworms became the main concern. Dry conditions and migration from other crops increased pressure, with mid-cycle plants particularly affected. Disease reports included cases of common scab, associated with soil management such as excess liming, as well as isolated instances of Rhizoctonia solani detected in late July harvests. All outbreaks were controlled.
At the end of July, average yields reached 42 tons per hectare and are expected to remain stable in the short term. However, a decline is anticipated from late August into September due to frost damage. With the harvest peak occurring in July, regional supply is projected to decrease gradually from August onward.
Source: HF Brasil
