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What is potato hollowness and who is to blame: is it possible to save the crop
11.01.2023 12:45
Updated: 13.04.2023 09:48
Having cut a clean and even tuber into two halves, housewives are surprised to find that there is a black cavity inside. People simply call such a formation a hollow.
Let's figure out what causes these cavities to form, whether such potatoes can be eaten, and how to protect the future harvest.
Causes of hollowness
First of all, it is necessary to understand that this is not a consequence of pest activity or even a disease. Bad weather and agricultural errors are to blame, because of which uneven tissue development occurs inside the tuber.
This can happen if:
- water the beds irregularly in hot weather;
- there is excess nitrogen or a lack of potassium in the soil;
- left a large distance between the rows;
- late with cleaning.
In addition, some varieties themselves are prone to the formation of such cavities. These are "Uladar", "Gatchinsky", "Temp", "Tuleevsky" and others.
Is it edible?
If the cavity inside is brown and keratinized, but there are no signs of rot, then the potato is edible. True, you will have to cut out most of the vegetable.
Often potatoes start to rot because of this. Most often this happens when the fruit is damaged by wireworms or larvae of other insects.
How to avoid
First of all, you need to avoid planting varieties that are prone to forming hollows.
Compost, vermicompost, wood ash or complex mineral fertilizers are added to the potato planting site. Organic fertilizers can also be used.
