Critical drought conditions: Up to 20% potato loss expected in Ireland

As drought conditions continue, Teagasc has estimated that up to 20% of potato crops could be lost in some parts of the country. The lack of rain has halted growth in regions and fears are growing that losses could be greater than 20% in some regions as only a quarter of the crop has been irrigated. The national yield has taken a double hit this year, as tough spring conditions meant that there was a 14% drop in the overall area planted. Teagasc potato adviser Shane Kennedy said the situation had reached a “critical” point. “Crops that have been irrigated are growing well. However, those that have not received water are not growing at all, tubers are small and many have been infected by common scab,” Kennedy said. Read more