W19: Potato Update
In W19 in the potato landscape, it was reported that the Rosselkhoznadzor Department discovered harmful insect larvae in Egyptian potatoes in Russia, leading to the disinfection of more than 27T of potatoes. Potato moth (Phthorimaea operculella Zell) is a quarantine pest that can cause damage to nightshade crops. In Russia's Kaluga area, spring crops have been sown on 81Kha, with potatoes 50% complete and open-ground vegetables 20% complete. Agricultural enterprises receive support at regional and federal levels, with 18M rubles allocated to farmers. In the United States, the possibility of more potato exports to Great Lakes farmers motivates Michigan potato growers. Dr. Kelly Turner with the Michigan Potato Industry Commission is trying to get the USDA to reopen negotiations with Japan, which could be equal to that of Mexico.
In Ukraine, the early harvest of potatoes is expected on June 10-15, 2023 instead of the second half of May 2023. Potatoes planted under agricultural fiber in March 2023 were delayed for 2-3 weeks due to low temperatures. In addition, The director of the Institute of Potato Growing of the National Academy of Sciences in Ukraine announced that their Specialists have created a purple Solokha potato variety, which will be used to produce unusual black chips as announced by the director of the Institute. The young potatoes at the markets of Ternopil, Ukraine are grown in Egypt and Transcarpathia and are sold for USD 1.22-1.63/kg. The sellers justify the high prices with high costs for cultivation in greenhouses. The sowing campaign of short-cycle potato varieties in Spain has reached its final stretch in Leon, Burgos, and Segovia. Yolanda Medina, president of the Potato Interbranch organization, cautions that yields may be lower due to high temperatures and irrigated plants at the beginning of April, and also it could shorten the crop cycle.
The Accelerated Development of multiple-stress tolerAnt PoTato (ADAPT) is a Horizon 2020 EU project to investigate potato tolerance to single and combined abiotic stresses and develop strategies for potato improvement. Data gathered will be used to update stress response models and compile the Stress Knowledge Map. In the Netherlands, the consumer price index of potato products in January 2023 was 146 points, 4% higher than in November 2022 and 14% higher than in January 2022. The farm-gate price index was 184 points, 5% higher than in November 2022 and 34% higher than in January 2022. The manufacturing industry's price index was 179 points, 10% higher than the producer price two months earlier and 42% higher than in January 2022.
Further, Tanzania and the Netherlands have agreed to establish a joint roadmap to develop a vibrant and robust potato eco-system in the country for sustainable development. The government is ready to offer land and will enter into contracts with farmers to offer block farms. Lastly in Musanze District, Rwanda, East Africa's southern province, greenhouse temperatures, and humidity levels are being monitored using the Smart Potato Greenhouse Technology (SPGT) app. It can automate irrigation, employs sensors to track soil temperature and quality, and is anticipated to be expanded to other districts later in the year. It is now regarded as a crucial solution to the country's problems with hunger and nutrition, as 65% of households are involved in agriculture.