POTATOES / MBATATISI

Zimbabwe potato agronomic / farming information. Find out how to control insect pests (including Leaf miner), suppress weeds and manage diseases.

NUTRIENT INPUT

Carry out a nutrient analysis prior to planting. Potatoes typically require high phosphorus and potassium and lower nitrogen blends at planting (Potatoe Blend 8:18:24 5S + 0.06B + 0.4 Zn or equivalent). Very high basal rates can be required, however, avoid placing the fertilizer too close to the seedling to avoid fertilizer toxicity. Potassium Nitrate, SOP or Calcium Nitrate can be topdressed throughout the vegetative growth stages of the crop.

Visit the Super fert website for more information.

Cropserve now stocks a comprehensive range of foliar fertilizers which can be used to rectify in-season nutrient deficiencies. Get in touch with a Cropserve agronomist for a foliar fertilizer spray programme.

Check the YARA website to identify crop nutrient deficiency symptoms.

WEED CONTROL

PRE PLANT CLEAN UP (NON-SELECTIVE)

ANNUAL AND PERENNIAL WEEDS INCLUDING COUCH AND STARGRASS - Glyphon 700 WSG (glyphosate)

PRE - EMERGENT HERBICIDES (SELECTIVE)

ANNUAL GRASSES, NUTGRASS SUPPRESSION - Dual Magnum 960 EC, Rush 960 EC (s-metolachlor)

ANNUAL GRASSES, NUTGRASS SUPPRESSION & SOME BROADLEAF - Acetochlor 900 EC (acetachlor)

BROADLEAF & SOME GRASSES - Metrabuzin 480

POST - EMERGENT HERBICIDES (SELECTIVE)

BROADLEAF & NUTSEDGE - Rimex 25 WDG

ANNUAL AND PERENNIAL GRASSES - Escort 40 EC

DISEASE CONTROL

Potatoes are susceptible to a great number of diseases that can destroy a crop prior to harvest. Carry out routine preventative sprays and rotate chemical groups. 

OTHER

For general agronomy visit The Emerging Farmer webpage. 

For spray adjuvants select this link.

Get in touch with a Cropserve Agronomist if you would like a comprehensive spray programme.

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