Markies Growing Conditions
Seed Spacing
Under normal growing conditions (with irrigation) where large ware yields in the region of 19 to 25 tonnes/acre are anticipated, the following plant populations are recommended.
Planting
Ensure Markies is planted into a warm seedbed and good growing conditions prevail. Seed temperatures should be colder than soil. Tuber greening is not normally a problem and therefore normal planting depths should be applied. i.e. 5-6 inches (12-15 cms) from a settled ridge to the top of the seed. There should be at least two inches of loose soil below the seed. Seed depth needs to be regularly checked to ensure consistency. It is important to avoid desprouting chitted seed.
Weed Control
No adverse effects have been observed to date with Sencorex applied as pre-emergence or post emergence. However, there is currently no recommendation listed for post emergence weed control.
Fungicides
Markies is moderately susceptible to foliage blight. Nevertheless great care should be taken over blight control. Particularly in the early application of foliage chemicals to act as a preventative measure, and late season as a curative action to reduce the risk of tuber infection.
Do not rely on blight warnings before applying blight fungicides, these are often too late and inaccurate.
Apply minimum 200 litres per acre increasing to at least 300 litres at 100% crop cover – always ensure good foliage coverage.
Markies is susceptible to Early Blight (altenaria). Modern plant protection fungicides are now targeting late blight and as such altenaria is appearing on more varieties. Use products which will control altenaria from an early stage and from then at least every other blight spray.
Aphid Control
This is advised if any number of aphids are observed on the crop. Leaves of Markies may be susceptible to direct aphid damage but is yet unknown. Ensure that, for the moment, a good aphid control insecticide is used to reduce numbers.
Irrigation
Markies will respond to uniform applications of water during the growing season. Consistent uniformly applied irrigation is essential on light soils Irrigation regimes should be aimed to apply 25mm of water at 35-50mm SMD depending on soil type. Careful crop monitoring and irrigation scheduling will be required throughout the season.
We would advise the use of irrigation for this variety.
Haulm Destruction
Good desiccation will make way for easy harvesting and reduce the risk of disease infection of tubers and should be timed to achieve optimum yield, medium to high dry matters, and uniform tuber size.
Crops destined for storage should not be burnt off until the crop has started to senesce. Markies reaches maturity prior to senescence.
Products available include: sulphuric acid, Harvest , Reglone (do not use in dry conditions) and Spotlight. Sulphuric acid will give the best results, but is very toxic and requires application by specialist contractors.
Ensure blight control continues until all haulm is dead.
Harvesting
Should begin when skin set is complete.
Many modern harvesters have the capacity to handle large tonnages of potatoes without causing damage. However, damaged potatoes will greatly reduced the crop value. Primary cultivation’s at planting can have a big effect on damage levels. It is important to assess harvested potatoes for damage and levels of bruising.
Key areas
- Share angle, depth and transition to web.
- Maintain web speed to forward speed ratio close to 1:1
- Minimise agitation, keep 1st web full of loose soil.
- Ensure haulm rollers are set correctly (i.e. not causing crop damage).
- Cover 2nd web (if in use).
- Ensure Dahlman rollers are set up correctly.
- Make sure trailers are of a suitable standard, and drivers correctly trained.
- Layer load trailers.
- Do not damage crop when grading.
- Ensure drops are kept to a minimum (less than 20 cms).
Storage
Markies has moderate dormancy; low reducing sugar accumulation, and providing crops have reached full maturity is well suited for long term storage.
- Dry cure potatoes as they go into store.
- Bring temperature down no faster than 0.4oC/day.
- Minimum storage temperature 7.5oC.
- Potatoes must be kept DRY and free from condensation during loading and throughout the storage period.
- Ventilate as necessary.
Sprout suppressants should be applied early in the storage period, 2-3 weeks after loading, provided that the crop is dry. Storage temperatures must remain constant throughout the storage period.