The potato harvest in Canada’s Manitoba province is off to a slow start, with only 15-20% of crops harvested so far, according to the latest report from Dr. Vikram Bisht, Potato and Horticulture Crop Pathologist at Manitoba Agriculture.
The harvest, which ranges from barely started to 50% complete on some farms, has been delayed due to thunderstorms between September 16 and 19, primarily affecting the southeast and eastern regions of the province. These storms brought significant rainfall, compounding already above-normal precipitation levels seen since May 1, which are now between 103% and 156% of the 30-year average in potato-growing areas.
Weather Challenges Delay Harvesting Efforts
High temperatures in the previous week had already interrupted harvesting activities across most of the province, and the heavy rainfall from the recent thunderstorms has worsened delays, especially in the eastern potato regions.
In areas that have yet to receive rain, farmers were relying on supplemental irrigation, as soil in the 0-30 cm top layer had become notably dry before the storms.
Potato Development and Disease Management
Potato crops across Manitoba are in the maturation phase, with P-Days (physiological development days) ranging between 830 and 900. Despite the wet conditions, Manitoba has not reported any cases of late blight, a disease that can devastate potato crops in wet weather. However, instances of “Potato early dying” caused by Verticillium wilt and black dot have been reported in multiple fields. Farmers are closely monitoring their crops and making necessary interventions to control these diseases.
Outlook for the Remainder of the Harvest
With the forecast still uncertain, it remains to be seen how much longer the harvest will be delayed in regions affected by the recent rains. The Manitoba Potato Report also provides SPRAYcast, a 3-day spray advisory weather forecast, to help farmers optimize their disease prevention strategies in these challenging conditions.
For more information and regular updates, including weekly reports, visit Manitoba Potatoes.
Source: Manitoba Potatoes | Manitoba Agriculture
Image: Credit Couleur from Pixabay
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