New Brunswick Potato Crop Development September 2010

The following update on the New Brunswick potato crop was provided by Agriculture and Aquaculture New Brunswick on September 20:

The rain received the last two weeks will improve the size profile of the later season potato varieties significantly. Even in the southern part of the Potato Belt, which was very dry, many Russet Burbank fields continue to bulk up an average of 3 – 5 barrels/acre/day.

Based on data taken on September 16 from 2, 10’ test strips from a northern Potato Belt ToPPS field, Russet Burbank yield was 225 barrels/acre with an average of 10 – 13% 10 oz. tubers, a gain of 3 barrels/day over the past week. Russet Burbank yields in the southern ToPPS fields are currently averaging 200 barrels/acre with an average of 10 – 12% 10 oz. tubers. Topkilling is progressing on schedule.

Commercial harvest for many growers began on September 13; however, the majority will not commence until September 20.

Maturity status of the crop looks promising, although specific gravity is on the high side. Growers throughout the Potato Belt are generally optimistic for a good yielding and quality crop.

Field harvest at the Bon Accord Elite Seed Potato Centre is more than 50% complete with continued reports of excellent yield and quality. Two greenhouses have also been harvested with excellent results reported.
 

Russet Burbank field in New Brunswick, Canada in September 2010