The budding phase triggers an active process of thickening the stolons underground. The plant redirects the accumulated carbohydrates to the laying of the mass of tubers, significantly weakening the immune defense of the aboveground part. At this point, the bush reaches the peak of its vegetative development, requiring maximum intake of nutrients.
A lack of moisture or a lack of basic trace elements at this stage irreversibly inhibits the recruitment of starch. Competent agricultural technology requires an immediate revision of the irrigation schedule, the introduction of highly targeted fertilizers and the strict blocking of fungal pathogens.
Water balance and oxygen exchange in the soil
The root system's need for water increases threefold when the first petals open. The dried-up soil provokes a massive discharge of buds and premature coarsening of the peel of nascent root crops. The dry substrate physically blocks the absorption of mineral salts. Basic principles of plantation moistening:
- soaking the fertile layer to a depth of 20 to 30 cm;
- liquid supply strictly into the aisles without touching the stems;
- the launch of irrigation systems during the hours of minimal solar activity.
The use of drip tapes guarantees accurate moisture delivery to the suction roots. Surface sprinkling through snail sprayers increases the risk of thermal burns to leaves, as the drops work like lenses. The powerful water pressure also washes pollen from the inflorescences, reducing the overall viability of the bush.
A day after abundant moistening, surface loosening of the aisles is carried out. The destruction of the soil crust to a depth of 5 cm restores gas exchange and eliminates oxygen starvation of the forming tubers. Gardening tools should not damage surface pillars located close to ground level.
Mulching open areas of land with straw or mown grass slows down the evaporation of water. A 10 cm thick layer of organic matter stabilizes the temperature of the substrate, preventing overheating of the root system during the midday hours. Useful soil bacteria are actively developing under the mulch, processing organic matter into available compounds.
Changing the strategy of mineral nutrition
The use of ammonium nitrate or urea during flowering causes potatoes to build up a green mass to the detriment of the crop. The focus is shifting to phosphorus-potassium salts, which stimulate the outflow of starch downwards. Working options for fertilization:
- root filling of an aqueous solution of potassium monophosphate;
- embedding of sifted wood ash in moist soil ridges;
- spraying the tops with chelate complexes with the addition of trace elements.
The concentration of active substances is selected based on the mechanical composition of the soil. Heavy loams retain macronutrients longer, while sandy loam lands require an increase in chemical consumption rates by 15 percent. Excess salts cause chemical burns to the root hairs, so the granules are first dissolved in water.
Liquid fertilizers penetrate into the vascular system faster than dry mixtures. Working solutions are poured exclusively over a wet substrate after basic watering. This technology guarantees an even distribution of potassium and phosphorus ions in the zone of active root growth.
A lack of boron or magnesium causes chlorosis of the apical leaves and deformation of the potatoes. Spot spraying of boric acid solution on a leaf stimulates the formation of ovaries and increases the density of the future crop. The procedure is performed with a fine spray gun until the plate is completely wetted.
Blocking infections and insect pests
The overgrowth of bushes and the closing of rows inevitably worsen the through ventilation in the lower tier of plantings. Stagnation of moist, warm air forms an ideal breeding ground for phytophthora spores and macrosporiosis pathogens. The first signs of damage appear in the form of brown spots on the lower leaves.
Preventive spraying of copper-containing fungicides protects cell membranes from germination of pathogenic mycelium. The treatment is carried out with pump sprayers with mandatory coating of the underside of the leaf plates. Chemicals create a protective film that prevents fungal hyphae from penetrating into plant tissues.
An attack by larvae of the Colorado potato beetle is capable of destroying up to 80 percent of the leaf surface in three days. The loss of the photosynthetic apparatus instantly deprives the underground part of the carbohydrate source and stops the mass gain of root crops. Mechanical insect harvesting is effective only in small planting areas.
When the number of pests is high, systemic insecticides are used. Toxic components circulate in the plant's cellular juice for up to 20 days, affecting the beetles' digestive system. The active ingredients break down to safe compounds in a month, eliminating the risk of accumulation of poisons in ripe tubers. The 1xBet bookmaker has extensive experience and serves customers in many countries with excellent service. When you join, remember to use 1xbet free bet promo code india o unlock a welcome package that significantly boosts your first deposit across all available sections. This exclusive code provides a 200% bonus up to €/$130, one of the highest percentage offers in the industry for sports betting. You can then place wagers on football, tennis, basketball, boxing, table tennis, horse racing, and many other sports with enhanced betting power.