Netherlands: alarming increase in rot

At first it seemed as though water-rot was occurring in a diagonal swath through the Southwest of the Netherlands. Now it is known that the rot has been found in other places as well, as a result of large rain storms. We are also seeing rot in places where less rain has fallen. The intensity of the rainfall has most likely given rise to a dense flow of lenticels, which has resulted in asphyxia, says Nedato (a potato cooperative) on their website. At Nedato 15-20% of the crops have substantial to severe problems with rot. Several plots are 100% rotted. Some of the rot got inside last week when there were a few dry days. The first few days are crucial when the potatoes are drying. Extensive attention was given to the drying process and the necessary use of heaters this week during a meeting with 125 participants. More