2013 Potato Research Report

Transcription

1 Keystone Potato Producers Association McCain Foods (Canada) Simplot Canada (II) Ltd Potato Research Report Prepared by Gaia Consulting Ltd.

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3 Introduction This is the 24th annual report on potato research funded by Keystone Potato Producers Association (KPPA), McCain Foods Limited and Simplot Canada (II) Ltd. Other contributors are listed under the Funding or In-Kind Support headings at the beginning of each project report. On behalf of above sponsors I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of the 2013 potato research program. Copies of the this report can be downloaded from Anyone wanting additional information regarding the research trials can contact: Gaia Consulting Ltd. Box 314 Portage la Prairie, Manitoba R1N 3B5 Phone: (204) dgibson@gaiaconsulting.mb.ca

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5 Comparison of Conventional Ridged-row and 5-row Bed Planting Methods for Ranger Russet Production in Manitoba Funding: Keystone Potato Producers Association (33.3%) Simplot Canada Limited (33.3%) McCain Foods Limited (33.3%) Principal Investigators: Darin Gibson and Don Fehr, Gaia Consulting Ltd. Introduction: Bed planting (BED), an alternative to the conventional ridged-row (CRR) planting system, has been studied in North America and Europe since the 1940s. It has been reported that the benefits of bed planting system come from producing a more level soil profile and improving the spatial distribution of plants in the field. Reducing the amount of furrow creates a flatter bed allowing roots to grow more horizontally, resulting in increased nitrogen and water use efficiency. Improving the spatial distribution increases a plant s ability to intercept sunlight and influences tuber size profile. Bed planting may reduce the cost of production by increasing nitrogen and water use efficiency, marketable yield and producing a more desirable tuber profile for specific markets. Objectives: To determine the effect of different plant populations arranged in conventional ridgedrow (CRR) and a 5-row bed (BED) configurations on yield, tuber profile and quality for French fry processing. To determine the effect of row position within the BED treatment on yield and quality. Procedure: Plot size: 24 by 60 feet. CRR - 8 rows x 36 in. BED - 10 rows (2-5 row beds with 26 between bed rows and 40 between guess rows) See Figure 1 and Figure 2. Trial design: 2 factor (planter configuration x plant spacing), 4 replicates Plot location: CMCDC Carberry off-station site Variety: Ranger Russet Planting date: May 24 Harvest date Sept 23

6 Irrigation: CRR: 10.9, BED: 10.5 Figure 1 Illustration of conventional ridge-row and bed planting formats. Figure 2 Dimensions of a 5-row bed. 2

7 Table 1. Treatment List Trt No. Planting Method Seed Spacing Spacing inches 1 A=1 CRR B= A=1 CRR B= A=1 CRR B= A=2 BED B= A=2 BED B= A=2 BED B= Soil moisture was maintained at a minimum of 75% available soil water. BED configuration required 0.40 less irrigation over the season. Results - Stand: The number of plants and stems were counted in each plot and used to calculate plants per acre and stems per plant ( Table 2). As expected, longer spacing resulted in lower plant populations. For CRR treatments, the longest spacing resulted in the most stems per plant, whereas in the BED treatments, the tightest spacing led to the fewest stems per plant. Treatment 2 (CRR 13 ) and treatment 6 (Bedding 16.5 ) had statistically equal populations per acre (~13,000 plants). Treatment 1 (CRR 10 ) and 5 (Bedding 13.5 ) had statistically equal populations per acre (~17,000 plants). Table 2 Effect of planting method and seed spacing on plant population Treatment Plants per Plot Stems per Plot Plants per Acre Stems per Plant 1 CRR 10" b b b 3.47 abc 2 CRR 13" c c c 3.38 bc 3 CRR 16" d d d 3.23 c 4 Bed 10.5" a a a 3.26 bc 5 Bed 13.5" b ab b 3.80 a 6 Bed 16.5" c c c 3.61 ab LSD (P=.05) CV Treatment Prob(F)

8 Results - Yield: BED configuration produced about 25 cwt of additional potato yield, on average (P=0.10) (Table 3). BED treatments tended to produce fewer large tubers, with significantly more 3-6 oz tubers and fewer >12 oz tubers. When comparing equal plant populations between the two systems, the two 17,000 plant treatments (1 and 5) were statistically equal for yield in all size yield categories. For the two 13,000 plant treatments, the BED configuration (treatment 6, 16.5 spacing) had a significantly higher yield of 0-3 and 3-6 oz tubers and a significantly lower yield of >12 oz tubers. Table 3 Effect of planting method and seed spacing on yield. Yield (cwt/ac) Treatment < 3 oz 3-6 oz 6-12 oz > 12 oz > 3 oz > 6 oz Total Planting Method CRR BED LSD 6.1 ns ns ns 25.6 Prob * # # # **, *, # significant at P = 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 levels, respectively. Yield (cwt/ac) Treatment 0-3 oz 3-6 oz 6-12 oz >12 oz >3 oz >6 oz Total 1 CRR 10" 11.2 bc a a 69.5 bc a a a 2 CRR 13" 9.9 c 69.6 b a ab a a a 3 CRR 16" 10.2 c 67.5 b a a a a a 4 BED 10.5" 23.7 a a a 51.5 c a a a 5 BED 13.5" 16.3 b a a 53.2 c a a a 6 BED 16.5" 13.9 bc a a 63.1 bc a a a LSD (P=.05) ns 55.9 ns ns ns CV Treatment Prob(F) ** ** * **, *, # significant at P = 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 levels, respectively. Spacing within BED configuration did not change the tuber profile significantly (Table 4 and Figure 3). The outer, or guess rows of a bed produced more pounds of potatoes per row, and this mainly came from large tubers. This was not unexpected, as the plants of these rows are next to a 40 gap between beds and therefore can access more water and nutrients as compared to an inner row. 4

9 Tubers per 15 m of Row (lb) Table 4. Effect of seed spacing and row position on tuber profile of BED configuration. Avg Yield (lb per row) Tuber Treatment < 3 oz 3-6 oz 6-12 oz > 12 oz > 3 oz > 6 oz Total Size (oz) Seed Spacing Narrow Medium Wide LSD 2.2 ns ns ns ns ns ns ns Prob # Row location Guess Inner LSD ns Prob # # ** * ** * * **, *, # significant at P = 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 levels, respectively >12 oz 6-12 oz 3-6 oz 0-3 oz 0 Figure 3 Effect of spacing and row position on potato yield and profile. 5

10 Results Tuber Characteristics: BED configuration resulted in more tubers per plot, due to higher plant populations on average (Table 5). This resulted in smaller tubers, but equal specific gravity. When comparing equal plant populations (ie. Treatments 1 vs 5, 2 vs 6), BED configuration produced significantly more tubers per plot, and those tubers tended to be smaller, and more numerous. There were no differences detected for specific gravity. Table 5 Effect of planting method and seed spacing on tuber number, size, and s.gravity. Tubers per Treatment Plot Planting Method Average Tuber Wt. (oz) Tubers per plant Specific Gravity CRR BED LSD ns ns Prob * # **, *, # significant at P = 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 levels, respectively. Tubers per Average Tuber Wt Tubers per Specific Treatment plot (oz) Plant Gravity 1 CRR 10" 2671 cd 6.92 bc 5.82 b a 2 CRR 13" 2369 de 7.82 ab 6.69 ab a 3 CRR 16" 2247 e 8.30 a 7.66 a a 4 BED 10.5" 3278 a 6.16 c 5.86 b a 5 BED 13.5" 3044 ab 6.37 c 6.73 ab a 6 BED 16.5" 2826 bc 6.81 bc 7.61 a a LSD (P=.05) ns CV Treatment Prob(F) ** ** ** **, *, # significant at P = 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 levels, respectively. Tubers harvested from the outer, or guess rows of a bed were significantly larger than those harvested from an inner row weight (Table 6). There was no difference in the number of tubers, or the specific gravity of those tubers. 6

11 Table 6. Effect of BED row position on tuber number, size, and s.gravity. Average Tubers Tuber Wt. Tubers Specific Treatment Row location Guess per Row (oz) 6.8 per plant 6.8 Gravity Inner LSD ns 0.60 ns ns Prob * **, *, # significant at P = 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 levels, respectively. Results Fry testing: No differences were found for fry color between BED and CRR. Table 7 Effect of planting method and spacing on fry colour analysis on three dates. 14-Nov 18-Dec 24-Mar Mean Fry % Sugar Mean Fry % Sugar Mean Fry End Colour End Colour Treatment Colour Planting Method CRR BED LSD ns ns ns ns ns ns Prob **, *, # significant at P = 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 levels, respectively. % Sugar End 14-Nov 18-Dec 24-Mar Mean Fry % Sugar Mean Fry % Sugar Mean Fry % Sugar Treatment Colour End Colour End Colour End 1 CRR 10" 0.05 a 2.5 a 0.05 c 5.0 a 1.90 a 0.0 a 2 CRR 13" 0.05 a 10.0 a 0.28 bc 7.5 a 1.98 a 0.0 a 3 CRR 16" 0.03 a 5.0 a 0.38 ab 2.5 a 1.95 a 0.0 a 4 Bed 10.5" 0.00 a 5.0 a 0.58 a 0.0 a 2.03 a 0.0 a 5 Bed 13.5" 0.05 a 0.0 a 0.15 bc 7.5 a 1.65 a 0.0 a 6 Bed 16.5" 0.05 a 2.5 a 0.35 ab 2.5 a 1.90 a 0.0 a LSD (P=.05) CV Treatment Prob(F) * **, *, # significant at P = 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 levels, respectively. 7

12 Fry colour from the guess row tubers was significantly darker on the Mar 24 fry date (Table 8). Table 8 Effect of BED row position on fry colour analysis on three dates. 14-Nov 18-Dec 24-Mar Mean Fry % Sugar Mean Fry % Sugar Mean Fry % Sugar Treatment Colour Ends Colour Ends Colour Ends Row location Guess Inner LSD ns ns 0.15 ns 0.08 ns Prob * * 1 **, *, # significant at P = 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 levels, respectively. Conclusions: BED required slightly less irrigation water compared to CRR. BED tends to produce higher yields compared to CRR. When comparing similar plant populations, BED produced more, smaller tubers. Guess rows of BED produced larger tubers compared to inner rows. 8

13 Evaluation of Metam Sodium Fumigation for Control of Early Dying in Manitoba Proponents: Keystone Potato Producers Association 33.3% McCain Foods Limited 33.3% Simplot Canada 33.3% In Kind Contributors: Principal Investigators: Elk Haven Farms Darin Gibson and Donovan Fehr, Gaia Consulting Ltd. Introduction: Early Dying Complex (EDC), a pattern of premature vine death and declining yields, has become a significant problem in Manitoba as the number of years that potatoes have been in a rotation has increased and as rotations become shorter. Verticillium dahliae is considered the primary causal agent of early dying, although root lesion nematode (Pratylenchus spp.) is also often implicated. Metam sodium fumigation is routinely used as control of early dying in many other potato growing areas of North America, including North Dakota. In Manitoba, however, use has been minimal, possibly due to lower average yields and the high cost of product. With increased yields in recent years, there has been renewed interest in the product. Objectives: To determine the influence of metam sodium (Vapam) on potato early dying suppression. To determine influence of metam sodium (Vapam) on Russet Burbank potato yield and quality. To determine the lowest effective rate for early dying suppression. Procedure: Prior to applying the soil fumigant, the entire field was irrigated to provide adequate soil moisture for packing and sealing the soil surface. The fumigant treatments were injected into the soil with injection shanks 30 cm apart, to a depth of cm. Attached packer wheels smoothed, compacted and sealed the soil surface (Figure 4). Plot Size: 1 row by 12 meters 9

14 Trial design: RCBD Plot location: Douglas, Manitoba Crop: Potatoes Variety: Russet Burbank Soil type: Wheatland Row spacing: 36 inches Applic. date: Oct 11, 2012 Planting date: May 25, 2013 Harvest date: September 30, 2013 Treatment List: Table 9 Table 9 List of fumigation treatments. Treatment (metam sodium) 1 Untreated Check 2 20 US gal/ac = 187 L/ha 3 40 US gal/ac = 374 L/ha 4 60 US gal/ac = 561 L/ha Results Propagule counts Immediately before treatment application on October 11, 2012, soil samples were taken to characterize the disease level in the field. The samples were submitted to the Soil Ecology lab at the University of Manitoba. Averaged over all samples, there were 24 propagules of V. dahliae per gram of soil. The field was subsequently treated. Each plot was sampled again in the spring (Table 10). No statistically significant treatment differences were detected. Harvest sites within each plot were sampled in the fall and submitted for V. dahliae analysis, however the results were not available for this report. Table 10 Spring V. dahliae propagule counts. Propagules per Treatment gram of soil 1 0 gal/ac 43.5 a 2 20 gal/ac 31.5 a 3 40 gal/ac 49.0 a 4 60 gal/ac 29.0 a LSD (P=.05) ns CV 68.8 Treatment Prob(F)

15 Results Foliar senescence ratings On September 27 th, 2013, the two harvest areas were marked in the field and senescence ratings were conducted. These ratings were then averaged over the two sites within each plot (Table 11). The highest average senescence rating was found in the untreated check plots, significantly higher than all other treatments. There was no difference statistically between the 40 gallon and 60 gallon rates (treatments 3 and 4). Table 11 Fall senescence ratings averaged over two harvest sites per plot. Senescence Treatment % 1 0 gal/ac 85.6 a 2 20 gal/ac 66.3 b 3 40 gal/ac 38.1 c 4 60 gal/ac 42.5 c LSD (P=.05) 9.1 CV 1.9 Treatment Prob(F) ** **, *, # significant at P = 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 levels, respectively. Results Yield Two sites were chosen for harvest (Figure 5). Yield data combined over both sampling sites is found in Table 12. All metam sodium treatments had a higher marketable and total yield compared to the untreated check. The 40 gal/ac and 60 gal/ac treatments had a higher yield than the 20 gal/ac treatments. There was no yield difference found between the 40 gal/ac and 60 gal/ac treatments. The higher yields found in the 40 and 60 gal/ac treatments can be attributed mainly to a higher yield of 6-12 oz tubers. 11

16 Table 12 Effect of metam sodium fumigation on potato yield. Yield (cwt/ac) Avg Tuber Treatment < oz 6-12 oz > 12 oz > 3 oz > 6 oz Total Size (oz) 1 0 gal/ac 26.0 a a b 49.2 a c c c 5.8 a 2 20 gal/ac 28.0 a a b 55.2 a b bc b 5.9 a 3 40 gal/ac 34.5 a a a 86.4 a a a a 6.3 a 4 60 gal/ac 37.0 a a a 39.7 a a ab a 5.7 a LSD (P=.05) ns ns 28.7 ns ns CV Trt Prob * ** * ** **, *, # significant at P = 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 levels, respectively. 12

17 Figure 4 Elk Haven Farms metam injection system. Figure 5 Harvest locations (site 1 and 2). The treatments were applied in strips and replicated four times. The sixteen plots were located between the two red lines. 13

18 Results Quality No statistical differences were detected for hollow heart defect, specific gravity, or vascular discolouration (Table 13). The 60 gal/ac treatment had significantly higher percentage sugar end defect than the untreated check on Nov 18. Table 13 Effect of metam sodium application on tuber quality Tuber Quality 13-Nov % Hollow Specific % Vascular Treatment 1 0 gal/ac Heart by wt 8.0 a Gravity a Discolouration 1.79 a 2 20 gal/ac 6.5 a a 0.60 a 3 40 gal/ac 7.2 a a 2.83 a 4 60 gal/ac 3.9 a a 2.20 a LSD (P=.05) ns ns ns CV Treatment Prob(F) **, *, # significant at P = 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 levels, respectively. Table 14 Effect of metam sodium application on French fry quality French Fry Quality 18-Nov 18-Dec 25-Mar Mean Fry % Sugar Mean Fry % Sugar Mean Fry % Sugar Treatment Colour End Colour End Colour End 1 0 gal/ac 0.75 a 2.5 b a 1.3 a 1.26 a 0.0 a 2 20 gal/ac 0.68 a 2.5 b a 5.0 a 1.30 a 0.0 a 3 40 gal/ac 0.79 a 1.3 b a 3.8 a 1.49 a 0.0 a 4 60 gal/ac 0.62 a 6.3 a a 6.3 a 1.20 a 0.0 a LSD (P=.05) ns 1.6 ns ns ns ns CV Treatment Prob(F) ** **, *, significant at P = 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 levels, respectively. Conclusions: In the field tested, the shank injection application of metam sodium in the fall of 2012 resulted in increased potato yield in In this case, the lowest effective rate appears to 14

19 be 40 gal/ac. Yield increased with rate up to 40 gal/ac but there was no further increase at the 60 gal/ac rate. There were no statistically significant tuber differences detected between treatments. Application of metam sodium did not affect tuber quality except for the increase in sugar end defect when metam sodium was applied at the 60 gal/ac rate. It is not clear why this occurred, however it appears that there is no advantage in applying rates greater than 40 gal/ac. Caution should be taken before assuming that one metam sodium application can result in yield increases in excess of 80 cwt in every instance. 15

20 Effect of Phosphorous Acid Treatment on Subsequent Seed Performance Funding: SPGAM 50% Keystone Vegetable Producers 16.6% Simplot Canada 16.6 % McCain Foods 16.6% Principal Investigators: Introduction: Darin Gibson and Donovan Fehr, Gaia Consulting Ltd Box 314 Portage la Prairie MB R1N 3B5 (204) Over the last few years, phosphorous acid has been widely used, mostly as a post-harvest application. Confine and Phostrol are now both registered in Canada, and are used against late blight, pink rot and silver scurf. There is ongoing research testing phosphorous acid products against pythium leak and other pathogens. Questions have arisen, however, about recommendations on the use of phosphorous acid either as a post-harvest or foliar application on seed crops. Researchers in Canada (Peters et al, AAFC, Pers. Comm.) have reported seed emergence problems after foliar and post harvest treatment with Confine fungicide. US Researchers (Gudmestad et al, ND; Miller et al, ID, Pers. Comm.) have not found this to be the case with seed treated in storage with Phostrol, Rampart and other phosphorous acid products. Seed treated with Confine (foliar and storage) in 2011 by Gaia Consulting Ltd was grown out in Although the post harvest treatment slightly delayed emergence, this did not translate into a yield loss in The foliar treatments did not adversely affect any parameters. In 2013 the protocol was expanded to include Phostrol to reflect its recent registration. Like in 2011 seed treated with phosphorus acid, both foliar and post harvest, was saved to be planted in In 2013 all application timings and rates of Phostrol and Confine delayed emergence. Post harvest applications of Confine and Phostrol resulted in fewer stems than the untreated check. Four applications of Confine and three applications of Phostrol (high rate) had lower marketable and total yields than the untreated check. Objectives: To determine if the application of phosphorous acid (Confine or Phostrol) to the foliage of seed potato plants or as a post harvest treatment to seed potatoes will affect the performance of the tubers the following year. 16

21 To determine any differences between Confine and Phostrol on seed performance. Procedure: Plot size: 4 rows by 6 m (Assessments conducted on 2 centre rows) Trial design: RCB 4 replicates Plot location: CMCDC Portage la Prairie Crop/variety Potato/Ranger Russet Planting date: May 29, 2013 Harvest date: October 4, 2013 Row spacing: 1 metre Treatments: See Table 15. Tubers were harvested from plots receiving foliar fungicide treatments applied in 2012 to provide seed for treatments 1-5 in Tubers harvested from the untreated check plots were treated either with Confine (treatment 6), Phostrol (treatment 7) or left untreated (treatment 8). The tubers were stored at the University of Manitoba vegetable storage facility. This seed was planted in Table 15 Treatment List Treatment 1 4 app Foliar Confine app Foliar Confine 3 2 app Foliar Confine 4 3 app Foliar Phostrol 5.8 L/Ha 5 4 app Foliar Phostrol 2.9 L/Ha 6 Post Harvest Confine 2 7 Post Harvest Phostrol 2 8 Untreated Check 1 Confine applied at 5.8 L/ha 2 Post harvest applications applied at label rates Results Stand and Stem (Table 16) Emergence was evaluated 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, and 34 days after planting (DAP). The final number of stems per 6 m of row were counted 34 DAP. All Confine and Phostrol treatments, whether applied through in-season foliar application or post harvest, had fewer plants emerged than the untreated check on at least one assessment date. No stand differences were seen 26 DAP or later, as the plants tended to catch up to the untreated checks. 17

22 Confine and Phostrol applied as a post harvest treatment resulted in the fewest stems per 6 m of row, significantly fewer than the untreated check. Table 16 Effect of phosphorus acid application on emergence and number of stems Stand (plants per 6 m of row) Stems Stems/Plant Treatment 19 DAP 21 DAP 23 DAP 26 DAP 28 DAP 34 DAP 34 DAP 34 DAP 1 4 app Foliar Confine 3.3 b 11.0 bc 15.8 ab 16.8 a 17.0 a 17.3 a 43.8 ab 2.53 abc 2 3 app Foliar Confine 2.0 b 9.8 bcd 15.8 ab 16.8 a 17.0 a 17.3 a 41.3 ab 2.39 bcd 3 2 app Foliar Confine 4.0 ab 12.3 ab 14.3 bc 16.3 a 16.5 a 17.0 a 45.8 a 2.70 a 4 3 app Foliar Phos. 5.8 L/Ha 2.0 b 9.0 cde 14.0 c 16.8 a 16.8 a 17.0 a 44.3 a 2.61 abc 5 4 app Foliar Phos. 2.9 L/Ha 4.0 ab 11.3 bc 16.5 a 17.3 a 17.3 a 17.3 a 46.3 a 2.69 ab 6 Post Harvest Confine 2.3 b 8.0 de 14.5 bc 16.3 a 16.8 a 16.8 a 35.0 c 2.09 d 7 Post Harvest Phostrol 2.3 b 6.5 e 14.0 c 16.3 a 16.3 a 16.5 a 38.5 bc 2.34 cd 8 Untreated Check 6.3 a 14.0 a 17.3 a 17.5 a 17.5 a 17.8 a 44.3 a 2.49 abc LSD (P=.05) ns ns ns CV Treatment Prob(F) * ** ** ** ** **, *, significant at P = 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 levels, respectively. Results Yield (Table 17 and Table 18) Four foliar applications of Confine (treatment 1) and three foliar applications of Phostrol at the high rate (treatment 4) had lower >3oz, >6oz, and total yields than the untreated check (Table 18). There were no differences detected between treatments for average tuber size. Table 17 Effect of phosphorus acid application on tuber size profile. Yield (cwt/ac) Average Tuber Treatment < oz 6-12 oz > 12 oz Size (oz) 1 4 app Foliar Confine 13.6 a 68.7 a a b 8.4 a 2 3 app Foliar Confine 12.1 a 53.0 a a ab 9.1 a 3 2 app Foliar Confine 11.0 a 47.7 a a b 9.4 a 4 3 app Foliar Phos. 5.8 L/Ha 15.1 a 48.9 a a b 9.1 a 5 4 app Foliar Phos. 2.9 L/Ha 13.2 a 73.7 a a b 8.4 a 6 Post Harvest Confine 11.6 a 49.2 a a ab 9.4 a 7 Post Harvest Phostrol 12.3 a 54.7 a a b 9.1 a 8 Untreated Check 10.2 a 45.4 a a a 9.7 a LSD (P=.05) ns ns ns 41.4 ns CV Treatment Prob(F) * **, *, significant at P = 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 levels, respectively. 18

23 Table 18 Effect of phosphorus acid on potato yield. Yield (cwt/ac) Treatment > 3 oz > 6 oz Total 1 4 app Foliar Confine c c c 2 3 app Foliar Confine ab ab abc 3 2 app Foliar Confine abc ab abc 4 3 app Foliar Phos. 5.8 L/Ha bc bc bc 5 4 app Foliar Phos. 2.9 L/Ha a abc ab 6 Post Harvest Confine a a a 7 Post Harvest Phostrol abc abc abc 8 Untreated Check a a a LSD (P=.05) CV Treatment Prob(F) * * * **, *, significant at P = 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 levels, respectively. Results Quality (Table 19) None of the treatments had any significant effects on any of the quality parameters measured (specific gravity, hollow heart, fry colour and sugar ends defect). Table 19 Effect of phosphorus acid application on tuber quality Specific % Hollow % Hollow Mean Fry % Sugar Treatment Gravity Heart by # Heart by wt Colour End 1 4 app Foliar Confine a 0.0 a 0.0 a 0.95 a 0.0 a 2 3 app Foliar Confine a 0.0 a 0.0 a 0.30 a 7.5 a 3 2 app Foliar Confine a 0.0 a 0.0 a 0.43 a 5.0 a 4 3 app Foliar Phostrol 5.8 L/Ha a 1.3 a 1.7 a 0.58 a 0.0 a 5 4 app Foliar Phostrol 2.9 L/Ha a 0.0 a 0.0 a 0.53 a 0.0 a 6 Post Harvest Confine a 0.0 a 0.0 a 0.58 a 0.0 a 7 Post Harvest Phostrol a 0.0 a 0.0 a 0.60 a 0.0 a 8 Untreated Check a 0.0 a 0.0 a 0.70 a 2.5 a LSD (P=.05) ns ns ns ns ns CV Treatment Prob(F) **, *, significant at P = 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 levels, respectively. 19

24 Conclusions: Foliar applications of phosphorus acid, both foliar and post harvest into storage in 2012, resulted in delayed emergence in Post harvest applications of phosphorus acid in 2012 resulted in fewer stems per section of row in Applications of phosphorus acid, both foliar and post harvest into storage in 2012, tended to reduce yield in Higher rates tended to cause higher yield reductions. The lowest yielding treatments were received the highest rates of active ingredient. Phosphorus acid applications did not affect French fry quality. There did not appear to be a clear difference between the different formulations applied to the 2012 crop (Confine and Phostrol) for their effect on the growth or yield of the subsequent crop in

25 Starch Variety Evaluation Funding: Growing Forward II Principal Investigators: Darin Gibson and Don Fehr, Gaia Consulting Ltd. Introduction: Potato production for starch extraction is a key segment of the potato market in Europe. Europe is the world leader for potato starch, accounting for 80% of global production. The European potato starch industry consists of 14,000 farmers and 4000 employees. In the past, key production regions have been Germany, the Netherlands, France, Denmark, Poland and Sweden due to EU subsidies that supported this industry. In North America, potato starch is mainly extracted from surplus potatoes or potato waste byproduct from French fry potato processing industry. Contracting potato production specifically for starch production hasn t been economically feasible in North America as it was not possible to compete with the subsidized European starch production. The end of EU subsidies could change the economics of growing potatoes for starch. If potatoes are to be contracted for starch production in Manitoba in the future, it will be necessary to identify suitable varieties. Data combined over four sites in Manitoba in 2014 revealed that the highest starch yields per acre came from the varieties Horizon, Atlantic and F Objectives: 1. To identify varieties that might be suitable for starch production in Manitoba 2. Evaluate varieties under Manitoba conditions for production of starch. Procedure: Plot size: one row x 33 m Row spacing: 1 metre Soil type: various Key dates: Table 20 Varieties: Table 21 21

26 Table 20. Site list with planting and harvest dates. Site Planting Harvest Portage Rainfed 6-Jun 7-Oct Portage Irrigated 6-Jun 7-Oct Carberry Rainfed 4-Jun 20-Sep Southport Rainfed 6-Jun 1-Oct Varieties were spaced and fertilized based on a review of available literature and discussion with people with experience growing them. Horizon did not receive any nitrogen fertilizer after planting, as it has been reported to use much less nitrogen than other potato varieties. Table 21. List of varieties. NO 3 -N (lbs/ac) Variety / Clone Seed Spacing Hilling 1 Atlantic Verdi Aquilon Horizon Alturas Ivory Crisp F Lady Rosetta Ranger Russet Alpine Russet Results - Yield: Data was analyzed considering each of the four sites as a replicate. Horizon was the highest yielding variety in all four sites (three rainfed, one irrigated), yielding over 500 cwt per acre, over 100 cwt/ac more than the next highest yielding variety averaged over the sites. The next group of varieties with yields around 400 cwt per acre on average included Atlantic, F07071, and Alpine Russet. 22

27 Table 22 Yield and grade of ten potato varieties grown in Manitoba. Potato Yield (cwt/ac) Variety 0-3 oz 3-6 oz 6-12 oz >12 oz Total 1 Atlantic 23.5 cde bc ab 85.6 a-d b 2 Verdi 27.5 cd 93.1 c d 64.9 b-e de 3 Aquilon 16.7 de 60.3 def bcd 64.1 b-e e 4 Horizon 76.5 a a a 14.9 e a 5 Alturas 21.0 cde 88.4 cd d 51.9 cde e 6 Ivory Crisp 28.6 c 86.0 cde cd 43.5 de de 7 F e 54.0 f abc a bc 8 Lady Rosetta 57.8 b b d 37.9 de cd 9 Ranger Russet 19.5 cde 57.9 ef cd ab cde 10 Alpine Russet 16.9 de 62.7 def a abc bc LSD (P=.05) CV Treatment Prob(F) Results Dry Matter: Verdi had the highest specific gravity of any variety, significantly higher than the next highest group of varieties (Atlantic, Horizon, Ivory Crisp, F07071 and Lady Rosetta) (Table 23). Horizon produced the most dry matter per acre in 2013, significantly higher than all other varieties except Atlantic. This was mainly due to its high tuber yield. Table 23. Specific gravity and dry matter of ten potato varieties grown in Manitoba. Variety Specific Gravity % D.Matter D. Matter (lb/ac) 1 Atlantic bc 26.8 bc ab 2 Verdi a 29.4 a 8912 cde 3 Aquilon cd 25.7 d 7459 fg 4 Horizon bc 26.1 bcd a 5 Alturas de 24.6 e 7030 g 6 Ivory Crisp bc 26.4 bcd 7579 efg 7 F bc 26.3 bcd 9870 bc 8 Lady Rosetta b 27.2 b 8243 d-g 9 Ranger Russet c 25.8 cd 8459 def 10 Alpine Russet e 24.2 e 9278 bcd LSD (P=.05) CV Treatment Prob(F)

28 Results Starch analysis: Tubers of each plot (40 samples) were submitted to the University of Manitoba Food Science Department for starch analysis. Using yield and dry matter data, the amount of starch produced per acre was calculated (Table 24). F07071 had the highest starch percentage (of dry matter), significantly higher than all other varieties except Ivory Crisp. F07071 had the highest resistant starch percentage, significantly higher than all other varieties. Horizon had the highest yield of starch per acre, but not significantly higher than Atlantic or F F07071 had the highest resistant starch per acre, but not significantly different from Atlantic or Horizon. The starch produced per acre from Horizon is mainly a function of its high yields, whereas for Atlantic and F07071, the high starch per acre is mainly due to the high percentage of starch in the tubers. Table 24. Percent and total starch of ten potato varieties grown in Manitoba. Resistant Starch Total Starch Resistant Starch Total Starch Variety ( % of Dry Matter) ( % of D.M.) (lbs/ac) (lbs/ac) 1 Atlantic 56.3 b 76.0 bc 5918 ab 8008 a 2 Verdi 54.0 b 73.8 bc 4855 cd 6585 bc 3 Aquilon 56.0 b 76.0 bc 4191 de 5681 cd 4 Horizon 52.0 b 74.3 bc 6007 a 8591 a 5 Alturas 50.8 b 71.8 c 3563 e 5036 d 6 Ivory Crisp 54.0 b 77.5 ab 4098 de 5889 bcd 7 F a 80.8 a 6409 a 7967 a 8 Lady Rosetta 55.8 b 72.8 c 4575 cd 5959 bcd 9 Ranger Russet 54.5 b 73.3 bc 4591 cd 6182 bc 10 Alpine Russet 55.3 b 73.8 bc 5111 bc 6830 b LSD (P=.05) CV Treatment Prob(F) Conclusions: Of the varieties evaluated, Horizon, Atlantic and F07071 produced the most starch per acre. The potential for growing potatoes in Manitoba for starch production depends on the access to starch markets and the market price of starch. An economic analysis would need to be conducted in order to determine the viability of this production in the future. 24

29 Manitoba Potato Variety Adaptation Trial Bannock Russet Funding: ARDI 50% Keystone Potato Producers Association 16.7 % Simplot Canada Limited 16.7 % McCain Foods Limited 16.7 % Principal Investigators: Darin Gibson and Donovan Fehr, Gaia Consulting Ltd. Introduction: Objectives: Optimizing Nitrogen (N) management for each potato variety is critically important to tuber yield and quality. Seed spacing can greatly influence size distribution and yield. Information has been developed regarding the effects of N fertilization and seed spacing on Russet Burbank, but little is known of how recently released varieties respond to various N rates and seed spacing in Manitoba. Understanding the interactions amongst N rate, variety and seed spacing could lead to the development of management strategies for each variety under Manitoba conditions. To test potato varieties to determine their potential as replacement varieties for those presently grown in Manitoba for French fry processing. To determine yield, grade and quality response of three potato varieties to three levels of N fertility and three in-row seed spacings. To evaluate the interaction between variety, seed piece spacing and N fertility. To develop management strategies for Bannock Russet under Manitoba conditions. Procedure: Plot size: 4 rows by 10 m (Assessments conducted on 2 centre rows) Trial design: factorial (nitrogen by spacing), 4 replicates Plot locations: Carman (Kehler Farms) Crop: Potatoes Variety: Bannock Row spacing: 1 metre Planting date: May 16,

30 Harvest date: September 26, 2013 Soil type: Reinland fine sandy loam with history of potatoes Treatments: Table 25 Site description: Table 26 Table 25 List of treatments Trt # Actual N (lbs/ac) Seed Spacing (in) Table 26 Site description Description Residual Units N * 37 lbs/acre P 2 O 5 ** 6 ppm K ** 49 ppm S * 56 lbs/acre Ph 7.3 CEC 11.2 meq Salinity * 0.26 mmho/cm Salinity * * 0.12 mmho/cm * 0-24 inch ** 0-6 inch At planting, potassium, phosphorus, and sulfur were applied according to recommendations (Agvise Laboratories) with a target yield of 400 cwt/ac. Fifty percent of the nitrogen target rate was applied at planting (combination of broadcasted pre-plant urea and side banded at plant). The remaining nitrogen splits were applied as shown in Table 27 (25%/25%). No nitrogen was applied at hilling, as it is recommended that Bannock not receive in-season nitrogen splits until after tuberization. 26

31 Table 27 Nitrogen rate and timing Nitrogen Treatment Target Rate lbs/acre Pre-plant (urea) lbs of nitrogen applied At-Plant 16-May ( ) Hilling Post Tuberization 24-Jul 7-Aug Total Applied Low Medium High Soil and tissue sampling was conducted on August 3 rd, prior to the final nitrogen application (Table 28). Table 28 Soil and petiole nitrate, August 3 rd Rate 0-6" Soil NO " 0-24" Petiole NO 3 (ppm) Results Yield (Table 29) Plots were harvested on September 26 th Higher rates of nitrogen tended to produce more marketable yield although this was not statistically significant (p=0.05). Nitrogen rate did not appear to influence the size profile. Wider seed piece spacing produced a larger tuber profile. There was not a >3 oz yield difference between spacing treatments however as spacing increased, the >6 oz yield increased. In the 3-6 oz size grade there was an interaction between nitrogen and spacing. Yield of 3-6 oz tubers decreased with increasing spacing and decreasing rates of nitrogen. 27

32 Table 29 Effect of nitrogen rate and seed spacing on potato yield Avg Bannock Yield (cwt/ac) Tuber Treatment < 3 oz 3-6 oz 6-12 oz > 12 oz > 3 oz > 6 oz Total Size (oz) Nitrogen LSD ns ns ns ns 19.1 ns 21.4 ns Prob # # Spacing (in) LSD ns 15.3 ns 21.8 ns 0.47 Prob * ** ** ** ** **, *, # significant at P = 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 levels, respectively. Results Quality (Table 30) Hollow heart, specific gravity, mean fry colour, and sugar end defect were assessed. Neither nitrogen rate nor spacing had a measureable effect on hollow heart, mean fry colour, or sugar end defect. Increasing rates of nitrogen tended to decrease specific gravity. Increasing seed piece spacing from 8 inches to 10 inches decreased specific gravity however increasing the spacing from 10 inches to 12 inches did not decrease specific gravity further. 28

33 Table 30 Effect of nitrogen rate and seed spacing on tuber quality Treatment Nitrogen % Hollow by wt Specific Gravity Mean Fry Colour % Sugar Ends Mean Fry Colour LSD ns ns ns ns ns ns ns Prob * Spacing (in) LSD ns ns ns ns ns ns ns Prob * **, *, # significant at P = 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 levels, respectively. 12-Nov 19-Dec 26-Mar % Sugar Ends Mean Fry Colour % Sugar Ends Conclusions: Total and marketable yield was maximized at the 175 lb/ac nitrogen rate. Neither nitrogen rate nor spacing significantly changed mean fry colour and sugar end defect. 29

34 Manitoba Potato Variety Adaptation Trial Blazer Russet Funding: ARDI 50% Keystone Potato Producers Association 16.7 % Simplot Canada Limited 16.7 % McCain Foods Limited 16.7 % Principal Investigators: Darin Gibson and Donovan Fehr, Gaia Consulting Ltd. Introduction: Objectives: Optimizing Nitrogen (N) management for each potato variety is critically important to tuber yield and quality. Seed spacing can greatly influence size distribution and yield. Information has been developed regarding the effects of N fertilization and seed spacing on Russet Burbank, but little is known of how recently released varieties respond to various N rates and seed spacing in Manitoba. Understanding the interactions amongst N rate, variety and seed spacing could lead to the development of management strategies for each variety under Manitoba conditions. To test potato varieties to determine their potential as replacement varieties for those presently grown in Manitoba for French fry processing. To determine yield, grade and quality response of three potato varieties to three levels of N fertility and three in-row seed spacings. To evaluate the interaction between variety, seed piece spacing and N fertility. To develop management strategies for Blazer Russet under Manitoba conditions. Procedure: Plot size: 4 rows by 10 m (Assessments conducted on 2 centre rows) Trial design: factorial (nitrogen by spacing), 4 replicates Plot locations: Carman (Kehler Farms) Crop: Potatoes Variety: Blazer Row spacing: 1 metre Planting date: May 16,

35 Harvest date: September 16, 2013 Soil type: Reinland fine sandy loam with history of potatoes Treatments: Table 31 Site description: Table 32 Table 31 List of treatments Trt # Blazer Russet Actual N (lbs/ac) Seed Spacing (in) Table 32 Site description Description Residual Units N * 21 lbs/acre P 2 O 5 ** 3 ppm K ** 44 ppm S * 42 lbs/acre Ph 7.6 CEC 11.7 meq Salinity * 0.27 mmho/cm Salinity * * 0.12 mmho/cm * 0-24 inch ** 0-6 inch At planting, potassium, phosphorus, and sulfur were applied according to recommendations (Agvise Laboratories) with a target yield of 400 cwt/ac. Fifty percent of the nitrogen target rate was applied at planting (combination of broadcasted pre-plant urea and side banded at plant). The remaining nitrogen splits were applied as shown in Table 33 (20%/15%/15%). 31

36 Table 33 Nitrogen rate and timing Nitrogen Treatment Target Rate lbs/acre Pre-plant At-Plant 16-May ( ) lbs of nitrogen applied Hilling 21-Jun 17-Jul 7-Aug Total Applied Low Medium High Soil and tissue sampling was conducted on August 3 rd, prior to the final nitrogen application (Table 34). Table 34 Soil and petiole nitrate, August 3 rd Rate Soil NO 3 NO 3 (lb/ac) 0-6" 6-12" 0-24" (ppm) Results Yield (Table 35) Yield of undersize and 3-6 oz tubers increased and >12 oz tubers decreased when 225 lbs/ac of nitrogen was applied. Average tuber size decreased when 225 lbs/ac of nitrogen was applied. When spacing increased tuber profile increased. Changing the spacing did not appear to affect marketable or total yield. 32

37 Table 35 Effect of nitrogen rate and seed spacing on Blazer yield Avg Blazer Yield (cwt/ac) Tuber Treatment < 3 oz 3-6 oz 6-12 oz > 12 oz > 3 oz > 6 oz Total Size (oz) Nitrogen LSD ns 44.8 ns 21.4 ns 1.2 Prob * * # * * Spacing (in) LSD ns ns ns ns ns 1.1 Prob ** * * **, *, # significant at P = 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 levels, respectively. Results Quality (Table 36) Incidence of hollow heart was greatest when 125 lbs/ac of nitrogen was applied. As application rates of nitrogen increased mean fry colour tended to darken. There was no sugar end defect found in this trial. 33

38 Table 36 Effect of nitrogen rate and seed spacing on Blazer quality Treatment Nitrogen % Hollow by wt Specific Gravity Mean Fry Colour LSD 2.32 ns ns ns 0.18 ns ns ns Prob ** * Spacing (in) LSD ns ns ns ns 0.14 ns ns ns Prob # **, *, # significant at P = 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 levels, respectively. 12-Nov Mean 18-Dec Mean 25-Mar % Sugar Ends Fry Colour % Sugar Ends Fry Colour % Sugar Ends Conclusions: Yield of undersize and 3-6 oz tubers increased and >12 oz tubers decreased when 225 lbs/ac of nitrogen was applied. Average tuber size decreased when 225 lbs/ac of nitrogen was applied. Changing the spacing did not appear to affect marketable or total yield. Incidence of hollow heart was greatest when 125 lbs/ac of nitrogen was applied. 34

39 Manitoba Potato Variety Adaptation Trial Umatilla Russet Funding: ARDI 50% Keystone Potato Producers Association 16.7 % Simplot Canada Limited 16.7 % McCain Foods Limited 16.7 % Principal Investigators: Darin Gibson and Donovan Fehr, Gaia Consulting Ltd. Introduction: Objectives: Optimizing Nitrogen (N) management for each potato variety is critically important to tuber yield and quality. Seed spacing can greatly influence size distribution and yield. Information has been developed regarding the effects of N fertilization and seed spacing on Russet Burbank, but little is known of how recently released varieties respond to various N rates and seed spacing in Manitoba. Understanding the interactions amongst N rate, variety and seed spacing could lead to the development of management strategies for each variety under Manitoba conditions. To test potato varieties to determine their potential as replacement varieties for those presently grown in Manitoba for French fry processing. To determine yield, grade and quality response of three potato varieties to three levels of N fertility and three in-row seed spacings. To evaluate the interaction between variety, seed piece spacing and N fertility. To develop management strategies for Umatilla Russet under Manitoba conditions. Procedure: Plot size: Trial design: Plot locations: Crop: Variety: Row spacing: 4 rows by 10 m (Assessments conducted on 2 centre rows) factorial (nitrogen by spacing), 4 replicates Carman (Kehler Farms) Potatoes Umatilla 1 meter 35

40 Planting date: May 16, 2013 Harvest date: September 26, 2013 Soil type: Reinland fine sandy loam with history of potatoes Treatments: Table 37 Site description: Table 38 Table 37 List of treatments Trt # Umatilla Russet Actual N (lbs/ac) Seed Spacing (in) Table 38 Site description Description Residual Units N * 21 lbs/acre P 2 O 5 ** 4 ppm K ** 59 ppm S * 40 lbs/acre Ph 7.3 CEC 9.7 meq Salinity * 0.26 mmho/cm Salinity * * 0.11 mmho/cm * 0-24 inch ** 0-6 inch At planting, potassium, phosphorus, and sulfur were applied according to recommendations (Agvise Laboratories) with a target yield of 400 cwt/ac. Fifty percent of the nitrogen target rate was applied at planting (combination of broadcasted pre-plant urea and side banded at plant). The remaining nitrogen splits were applied as shown in Table 39 (20%:15%/15%). 36

41 Table 39 Nitrogen rate and timing Nitrogen Treatment Target Rate lbs/acre Pre-plant At-Plant 16-May ( ) lbs of nitrogen applied Hilling 21-Jun 17-Jul 7-Aug Total Applied Low Medium High Soil and tissue sampling was conducted on August 3 rd, prior to the final nitrogen application (Table 40). Table 40 Soil and petiole nitrate, August 3 rd Rate Soil NO 3 NO 3 (lb/ac) 0-6" 6-12" 0-24" (ppm) Results Yield (Table 41) Plots were harvested on September 26 th Higher nitrogen rates tended to produce a smaller tuber profile. Application of 225 lbs/ac of nitrogen produced a smaller average tuber size than the other treatments. 37

42 Table 41 Effect of nitrogen rate and seed spacing on Umatilla yield Avg Umatilla Yield (cwt/ac) Tuber Treatment < 3 oz 3-6 oz 6-12 oz > 12 oz > 3 oz > 6 oz Total Size (oz) Nitrogen LSD 11.8 ns ns ns ns ns ns 1.1 Prob # * Spacing (in) LSD ns ns ns ns ns ns ns ns Prob **, *, # significant at P = 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 levels, respectively. Results Quality (Table 42) Hollow heart, specific gravity, mean fry colour, and sugar end defect were assessed. There was no sugar end defect found in this trial. Specific gravity decreased with increasing rates of nitrogen. The 225 lb/ac nitrogen treatment had darker fry colour than the 175 and 125 lb/ac nitrogen treatments on the Nov 12 and Dec 19. On Mar 25 the 125 lb/ac nitrogen treatment had lighter French fry colour than 175 and 225 lb/ac (p=0.1). Also on Mar 25, 14 and 16 inch seed spacing produced lighter French fry colour than 16 inch treatment. Seed piece spacing had no other effect on any other measured parameters. 38

43 Table 42 Effect of nitrogen rate and seed spacing on Umatilla quality Treatment Nitrogen % Hollow by wt Specific Gravity Mean Fry Colour LSD ns 0.23 ns 0.31 ns Prob # ** * * # Spacing (in) LSD ns ns ns ns ns ns 0.27 ns Prob * **, *, # significant at P = 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 levels, respectively. 12-Nov Mean 19-Dec Mean 25-Mar % Sugar Ends Fry Colour % Sugar Ends Fry Colour % Sugar Ends Conclusions: Higher nitrogen rates tended to produce a smaller tuber profile. Application of 225 lbs/ac of nitrogen produced a smaller average tuber size than the other treatments. Specific gravity decreased with increasing rates of nitrogen. Higher rates of nitrogen and wider spacing tended to produce darker French fry colour. 39