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Vernalization of potatoes before planting. What is it, why and when
26.02.2023 06:50
Updated: 14.04.2023 07:58
Vernalization is a method of growing potatoes, which consists of pre-planting treatment of the crop to improve its quality and yield.
This method has been used in Russia since the mid-1800s and is now gaining popularity in other parts of the world.
The process involves treating seed potatoes with a solution containing various chemicals and growth hormones to stimulate germination, increase plant vigor and reduce susceptibility to disease.
What is vernalization?
Vernalization is a pre-planting potato treatment process that involves soaking seed potatoes in a solution containing various chemicals and growth hormones.
This treatment stimulates germination, increases plant viability and reduces susceptibility to disease.
The solution contains substances such as calcium chloride, potassium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, borax, phosphoric acid and urea.
These substances help break down the cell walls of potatoes, allowing them to absorb more nutrients from the soil. They also stimulate root growth, which helps increase yields.
Why Potatoes Should Be Vernalized
There are several reasons why potato growers should consider vernalizing their crop before planting.
First of all, this method can help increase crop yields by increasing root growth and providing nutrients to the plants.
Additionally, vernalization can reduce susceptibility to disease by strengthening the potato’s natural defenses against fungal diseases such as scab. Finally, this technology can also help reduce storage losses by improving the overall quality of potatoes before harvest.
When to vernalize potatoes
The best time to vernalize potatoes is shortly before planting them in the ground. Generally speaking, it is recommended to wait about 2 weeks before planting potatoes for maximum effectiveness.
It is also important to note that vernalization should only be carried out on seed potatoes that are not affected by diseases or damage, as these factors can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment or even damage the crop if left untreated.
