Guidelines For Potato Farming in Zimbabwe: ©ziminvestors 2015 Edition

GUIDELINES FOR POTATO FARMING IN ZIMBABWE
©ZimInvestors 2015 Edition
www.ziminvestors.com
Table of Contents
1. Seed Preparation.................................................................................................................... 3
2. Seed Sprouting ....................................................................................................................... 4
3. Soil and Land Preparation ...................................................................................................... 6
4. Seed Varieties ........................................................................................................................ 7
5. Irrigation ................................................................................................................................. 7
6. Planting .............................................................................................................................. 9
7. Fertilizer Application .................................................................................................... 10
8. Ridging ................................................................................................................................. 12
9. Weed Management .............................................................................................................. 12
10. Haulm Destruction .................................................................................................... 13
11. Lifting up ....................................................................................................................... 14
12. Harvesting and Storage ................................................................................................ 14
13. Potato Quality ................................................................................................................... 15
14. Potato Pests................................................................................................................... 16
14.1 Nematodes ........................................................................................................... 16
14.2 The potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculela) ............................................. 16
14.3 Aphids ........................................................................................................................... 18
14.4 Cutworms ................................................................................................................... 18
15. Potato Diseases ............................................................................................................ 18
15.1 Late Blight ................................................................................................................. 18
15.2 Black scurf ................................................................................................................ 21
15.3 Common scab ......................................................................................................... 21
15.4 Bacterial wilt ............................................................................................................ 22
16. Physiological Disorders ................................................................................................. 22
16.1 Hollow heart .......................................................................................................... 23
16.2 Black heart ........................................................................................................... 23
16.3 Non-enzymatic Browning ................................................................................. 24
16.4 Tuber Greening ................................................................................................... 24
16.5 Tuber cracks ........................................................................................................ 25
17. Gross Margin Budget (1 ha) .............................................................................................. 26
©ZimInvestors 2015 Edition email: invest@ziminvestors.com twitter: @ziminvestors

1. Seed Preparation
Potatoes are traditionally propagated through tubers. Never use uncertified seed of
unknown origin. Good quality seed is necessary for high yield and good crop quality.
Freedom from leaf roll virus, mosaics, bacterial wilt, root knot nematodes and other
diseases is essential. In Zimbabwe, two types of seed have been traditionally used,
namely AA Grade and A Grade seed, there are also currently available now cultivars
produces by different seed producers including True Potato Seed (TPS).
The AA Grade seed is produced under stringent conditions in Nyanga. This seed is
expensive to produce. A Grade is obtained from AA grade. It is produced by farmers
contracted to the Seed Potato Producers Association, normally on farms in Natural
Regions IIa and IIb.
Farmers normally use A Grade seed, but can produce their own seed by selecting good
quality seed. The seed production site should be at least 200m away from other potato or
vegetable crops. They should plant early and also use systemic aphicides throughout the
life of the crop. It is advisable to keep a weed-free headband of at least 5 metres around
the crop and to rogue at least three times for bacterial and viral diseases. As soon as the
desired seed size is reached, the potato tops must be destroyed to reduce chances of
viral infection and spread. Potatoes in the outer ten-metre rows should be disposed of as
ware potato. During seed production, it is critical to keep cultivation to a minimum so that
tubers are not injured.

2. Seed Sprouting
Before planting, potato tubers are sprouted to increase the number of main stems, and
consequently yield. Sprouting also ensures quick, uniform and full germination. In order to
ensure good sprouting, the tubers must be stored under diffuse light. Heat, acetylene or
gibberellic acid can be used to force sprout potatoes.
Sprouted Seed
Methods of sprouting:
 Using gibberellic acid
The seed can be dipped into water-gibberellic acid mixture to achieve quick sprouts in 2 -
3 weeks depending on conditions provided.
Note: Do not overdose seed with Gibberellic Acid
 Below are the guidelines for using gibberellic acid:
 Ensure your storage sheds are clean and free from pests and diseases
 Prepare gibberellic acid-water mixture in a suitable container e.g. drum
 Dip your pockets into gibberellic acid-water mixture as recommended
 Decant the wet tubers and spread them to dry
 Make sure all tubers are totally dry
 Make sure all pockets are not in contact with the ground and each pocket is
accessible
 After tubers are dry, put seed in chitting trays or spread them on a layer of
grass in a dark area.
 If temps are low, limit air circulation to allow the temps to rise
 Check seed for sprouts beginning two weeks
 When using heat: Cover the tubers in tarpaulin in moderate sunshine.
Temperature in the range of 30-350C will initiate sprouting after some days.
Newly sprouted tubers should be planted immediately if vigorous plants that yield highly
are to be obtained. For tubers smaller than 25 mm (chats), they should not be used for
seed since they do not have adequate food reserves to support seedling emergence. Also
avoid aged sprouted seed as it gives inferior yield. Farmers should buy seed once every
two years. They should use small tubers 40-55 grams, or larger tubers cut into small
blocks. Large tubers are ideal because they produce genetically large potatoes. Wound-
healing chemicals have to be applied if large potatoes are cut into small pieces prior to
planting.Besides tubers, True Potato Seed (TPS) is now available for use by farmers in

Zimbabwe. The first seed crop obtained from TPS is XXX Grade. When this is planted, XX
Grade seed is obtained. Subsequent plantings of XX Grade seed will produce X, AAA, AA
and A Grades seed. The main advantage of TPS is that it is cheaper and less bulky than
the conventional potato seed from tubers. However, it has to be raised in seedbeds and
then transplanted at 6-8 weeks after emergence. Thus, a crop raised from TPS has a
longer cycle in the field. However, farmers who use TPS can retain the seed for up to six
cycles.
True Potato Seed (TPS)
3. Soil and Land Preparation

Most soils are suitable for potato production in Zimbabwe, but medium textured loamy
soils with good organic matter are the best. The ideal soil should be fine, loose and
without compacted layers that hinder root penetration. Clods and stones reduce root
contact with the soil and result in the production of deformed tubers. Heavy clays and

some micaceous soils can become hard when dry and produce misshapen tubers. Soils
must be well drained for summer crop production. Well aerated soils ensure sufficient
oxygen for root, stolen and tuber growth.
The optimum pH for potato production is 5.0 - 5.5, though the plant can tolerate pH 4.3.
To reduce nematode and disease hazards, rotations are necessary. Grow potatoes once
in three years for ware potatoes and once in four years for seed potatoes. It is also
recommended to include a nematode-resistant grass in a 3-4 yearly for sandy soils.
Liming should not be done immediately before planting potatoes because the resultant
high pH levels can predispose the crop to common scab.
Mechanical soil preparation should aim at depth of 600 mm with a medium to fine tilth.
Virgin soils must be ploughed ahead of planting to allow for the decomposition of residues
and also reduce cutworm problem.
4. Seed Varieties
5. Irrigation
Prior to planting, the land should be irrigated in order to ensure uniform
germination. Normally, a second irrigation is given about a week later.
Subsequent irrigations are applied when required based on irrigation
scheduling. Light and frequent irrigations are better than heavy, less
frequent irrigations. The critical stages requiring water are s t o l o n
formation, tuber initiation and development. Irrigating should be
stop ped about 1 0 d a y s before harvesting in order to allow f o r the

firming of the tubers.
6. Planting
After irrigation, tubers can be planted 70-100 mm deep. Slightly deeper
(up to 150mm) planting can be done under dryland conditions. The
standard spacing is 90cm x 30cm, but it can vary between 60-120cm
inter-row and 15-60cm in-row. Spacing is influenced by seed size and soil
fertility.
Planting potatoes in furrows
In Zimbabwe, it is possible to produce three potato crops within a
twelve months period. The “Summer Crop” is planted in November and
harvested before the end of the rainy season. Germination is very good

for this crop. However, it suffers from high pest and disease pressure.
So a lot of financial resources are invested in pest and disease
management. Also, prolonged rains may pose problems at harvest due
to increased sprouting.
The “First Winter Crop” is planted between February and April. This
crop normally matures before the occurrence of frost. In the Lowveld, it
is recommended to plant later (April) so that the crop develops
during cooler weather.
Both the summer and first winter crops are affected by late blight. It is
therefore advised to grow resistant varieties. The “Second Winter Crop”
is planted late from late July to early August after the risk of f r o s t
h a s passed. The crop is usually free of late blight. This is usually the
cheapest crop to produce since not much pesticide is applied to the
crop. However, the farmer must have adequate irrigation facilities.
7. Fertilizer Application
Potatoes are gross feeders of all nutrients within a relatively short period
of time. Large amounts of fertilizer are therefore required. However,
avoid excessive nitrogen supply to the crop as it causes lush growth.
Also tubers produced from such a crop are of poor keeping quality.
Improper fertilization also predisposes t h e crop to diseases.

All phosphate and potash must be a p p l i e d at planting. Phosphate
increases yield b y increasing the number of medium sized tubers while
potash increases the number of large tubers. Half to two third of the
nitrogen should be applied at planting and the remainder at 2-3 weeks
after emergence. The fertilizer must be bande d slightly below and at the
side of the seed to avoid contact with the seed. Farmers n o r m a l l y
use C o m p o u n d S for basal d r e s s i n g , but even Compound D
can be used. Avoid using muriate of potash (potassium chloride) since
the crop is sensitive to chlorine. Instead, use potassium sulphate.
Where synthetic fertilizers are not available, 30t/ha farmyard manure
can be used.

8. Ridging
When potatoes are about 10cm tall, the leafy shoots can be mounded
around with soil to their full height. This process is called earthing up.
Earthing up potatoes will increase the length of the underground stem
that will bear tubers. This mounding can be repeated once or twice at
two to three week intervals to ensure the best crop, with the added
advantage of smothering weeds.
The soil between plant rows has to be loosened and then drawn into a
ridge along the length of the potato rows. A shallow row is left along the
row at the top of the ridge to channel any water down to the developing
tubers. Earthing up is also necessary to protect tubers from greening,
potato tuber moth and late blight. It should be done and completed by
the time the crop is 25cm tall.
9. Weed Management
Weeds can cause significant yield loss. They compete with crop for
water, nutrients, light and growing space. They also habour pests and
pathogens. Use cultural, chemical and mechanical means to control
them. Commonly used herbicides include Topogard (tebutryne), Dual
(metolachlor), and Sencor (metribuzin).

10. Haulm Destruction
Haulm destruction is carried out 10-15 days before harvesting. This is
normally done by spraying chemicals like diquat, gluphosinate ammonium
or paraquat to the potato foliage or slashing. Haulms must be destroyed
to prevent the risk of late blight and viruses being transmitted to the
tubers, especially where seed potatoes are being produced. They must
also be destroyed so that potatoes do not bulk beyond the appropriate
size. It also helps with weed control. Chemicals used in haulm
destruction are desiccants which may control weeds. Where chemical
destruction o f haulms is effected, the crop should be lifted within 10 days
to avoid attack by black scurf.

11. Lifting up
Potato lifting commences when tuber skin has hardened enough to
reduce physical damage. Highest yields are achieved when haulms
are undisturbed after 95% defoliation under overcast cool weather.
In hot dry conditions, remove tubers immediately to sheltered places to
avoid reduction in keeping quality. In Zimbabwe, this applies to the
second winter crop. Only very muddy tubers should be washed. They
must then be left to drain and dry before storage. Use forks for hand
lifting, or mechanical lifters.
12. Harvesting and Storage

Dig potatoes out of the ground when the soil is dry. Be careful not to
bruise the tubers. Harvested potatoes should be placed in crates or
other suitable containers and stored in the dark. Where there is all-
year-round production of potatoes, there should be short storage
periods for the crop. The most important factors in potato storage are
temperature and relative humidity. At 2-50C and 85% relative humidity,
potatoes will sprout after 8-12 months. Throughout storage, careful

handling is necessary to avoid bruising. It is important to separate
cut, damaged and rotten tubers from sound tubers so as to prolong
storage life. The sound, clean tubers should be dressed with 1%
malathion and kept in a dark place to reduce sprouting and
greening. Long term storage requires that potatoes to be cured.
Curing stimulates suberization, wound healing and reduces
respiration. The optimum curing conditions are around 200C with 80-
100% relative humidity
13. Potato Quality
The potato quality is determined by both external and internal characteristics. Commonly
used external characteristics include size, shape, “eye “depth, greening, and
presence/absence of secondary growth. In terms of size, medium sized potatoes (4-7.5
cm diameter) are the most preferred for domestic consumption. Very big potatoes are
preferred for making chips as they are easier to cut. Tuber size is determined by planting
density. The closer the plant spacing, the smaller the tubers produced.
Potatoes can be round or oval. The oval shape is the most preferred. Shape is cultivar
related, but nutrition also plays a major role in determining shape. For example, high
nitrogen and little potash cause the production of elongate potatoes. Potatoes with shallow
eyes are better because the eyes can be easily plucked out. Greening is an undesirable
characteristic because of the poison in green tubers. Some tubers have an interior corky
layer. This forms when slow growing potatoes are suddenly exposed to fast growing
conditions, resulting in the production of extra layers. The thicker the corky layer; the
poorer the potato quality.
Internal characteristics look at the texture and nutritional value of the potato. Potato texture
is dependent on the cultivar, growing environment and maturity stage. Potato texture can be
explained by two prominent characteristics. The Solids Content is measured by specific
gravity readings that compare a particular variety’s density to that of water. A low solids
potato will be moist, while a high solids potato will be dry. The Ratio of Two Starch types is
also used to measure potato texture. A potato high in the straight starch (amylase) will be
mealy or floury when cooked while one high in branched starch (amylopectin) will hold

firmly together in cooking. Knowing the texture can help you choose a variety or potato
group that works best for a given recipe.
14. Potato Pests
The potato plant is host to many pests.
14.1 Nematodes
Common nematodes that attack potatoes in Zimbabwe are the
root knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp), Pratylenchus spp and
Radopholus similis. The root knot nematode causes galling on the

tubers, thus reducing the marketability and food value of potatoes. A
number of nematicides are available for use against nematodes.
Besides, potato fields should be rotated with grasses that are
resistant to nematodes.
14.2 The potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculela)
This is a major pest limiting potato production in Zimbabwe. Control is
achieved by ridging up tubers with at least 250mm of soil. Also,
application of insecticides like monocrotophos, carbofuran and
chlorpyriphos helps in controlling the pest.

The adult potato tuber moth
Potato tuber damaged by the potato tuber moth

Adult potato tuber
moth
14.3 Aphids
Aphids may also be a problem especially in warm areas. Besides
sucking sap off the plant, aphids transmit several viruses, including leaf
roll, necrotic virus and potato virus. Large aphid infestation causes
wilting, yellowing and stunting, thus reducing yield. The application of
systemic aphicides like dimethoate helps to control aphids.
14.4 Cutworms
Cutworms may be serious pests at the beginning of the emergence of
young stems. The larva chew stem at surface level, and they appear as
plump darkish greasy grey caterpillars that normally feed at night.
Monocrotophos, chlorpyriphos and karate are the most effective
chemicals for cutworm control.
15. Potato Diseases
The p o t a t o plant is attacked by several diseases that include late blight,
black scurf, common scab, bacterial wilt and viral d i s e a s e s .
15.1 Late Blight
Late blight is caused by Phytophtora infestans, which was responsible
for the Irish famine in the 1840s. It is the major biotic limiting factor to
summer potato production in the country. Its peak is usually between
February and March when persistent overcast damp weather occurs.

Farmers are advised to grow resistant varieties in order to reduce yield

Adult potato tuber
moth
losses due to this disease. In addition, fungicide sprays of Dithane
M-45, chlorothalonil and ridomil are important.

6.1 Late blight
Late blight
Early blight

15.2 Black scurf
Black scurf is often seen as black superficial growth on tubers. It is
caused by Rhizoctonia solani. Control of this disease is achieved by
reduced handling and damage of tubers.
Black scurf
15.3 Common scab
Common scab is caused by Streptomyces scabies appears as rough
circular black scabby lesions which can enlarge and cover a
considerable part of the tuber. The disease is associated with soils that
have a high degree of aeration caused by underploughing of high
undecomposed organic matter and high temperatures. Soil treatment
with pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB) has been successful but not
economic because of the quantities needed. Normally, four to six year
rotations with such crops as soyabeans, lucerne and rye grass are
recommended.

15.4 Bacterial wilt
Bacterial wilt incited by Pseudomonas solanacearum causes wilting of
foliage, brown discoloration of vascular tissue and dirty white bacterial
ooze to exude from cuts made from the stem or tuber. Use certified seed
and long rotations with non-solanaceous crops for the control of bacterial
wilt.
A number of viruses attack potatoes including leaf roll (solanum virus
14), potato virus Y, and potato virus X. They reduce the vigor of a seed
crop if seed is retained for a number of years. These viruses are spread
by aphids and other sucking insects. Control is mainly by production of
healthy seeds in localities unfavourable to aphids e.g. Nyanga. The insect
vectors also need to be controlled if viral diseases are to be properly
managed.
16. Physiological Disorders

16.1 Hollow heart
This is undesirable and increases chances of damage to potatoes
caused by too rapid growth rate, especially high nitrogen. Grow potatoes
at low nitrogen levels and high densities; or kill foliage to decrease
growth rate. Hollow heart is common in very large potatoes. The disorder is
apparent when the tuber is cut into half. Cavities are angular or star-
shaped. The problem is severe when there is moisture stress followed
by long conditions favouring rapid growth.
16.2 Black heart
Black heart occurs when tubers undergo periods of oxygen deprivation.
It occurs in the field or storage. High temperature and waterlogged soils

contribute to black heart development in the field. Tubers in storage can
suffer from the disease when they are poorly ventilated or exposed to
freezing temperatures.
Black heart is characterized by bluish-black to black discoloration of the
internal tuber tissue. The discoloration occurs in an irregular pattern,
with a distinct line between healthy and affected tissue. In some cases,
cavities form in affected areas. They are surrounded by discoloured
tissue. The affected area are stored at room temperature.
16.3 Non-enzymatic Browning
This is observed during cooking and frying. It is caused by too high
sugar content in the tuber. It occurs under low temperature storage
conditions and is also cultivar related. If sugar content is above 13%,
then browning occurs. For control, store tubers at 250C or more. Also
select cultivars that are less susceptible. Recondition tubers before
use i.e. store at low temperature but then 3 weeks before use, subject
tubers to 20 0C in o r d e r to revert sugars to starch.
16.4 Tuber Greening
Potato tubers turn green due to accumulation of chlorophyll in the
tuber. This makes potatoes unmarketable due to solanin (poison). The
g r e e n tissues may extend 2 c m into tuber, and is often accompanied
by p u r p l e pigmentation. Some greening is c u l t i v a r related. Also
i m m a t u r i t y of tubers when harvested leads to solanin accumulation.
High light intensity reaching tuber during production and in storage can
also lead to greening. Also, h i g h temperature during storage also
causes greening. Greening can be c o n t r o l l e d by e x c l u d i n g light
during packing, controlling atmospheres during storage, waxing or oiling

tubers. During production, mound tubers well so that they are not
exposed to light, and do not damage tubers.

16.5 Tuber cracks
They are due to tuber pressure during growth, viral i n f e c t i o n and
machinery at harvesting. Cracking follows along the axis of t h e tuber.
This condition is favoured by excessive fertilizer application

17. Gross Margin Budget (1 ha)
PROBLEM PRODUCT RATE/HA UNIT COST COST TOTAL QTY/HA TOTAL COST/HA APPLICATION DETAILS
FERTILISERS
Basal fertiliser Tobaccofert (6-15-12) 30 bags 30.00 900.00 30.00 bags 900.00 Basal application (at or before planting)
Top dressing AN 6 bags 29.00 174.00 6.00 bags 174.00 Topdressing starting at 3 weeks after emergence
Top dressing SOP (50%K) 8 bags 25.00 200.00 8.00 bags 200.00 Apply at flowering and repeat 2 weeks after flowering
Foliar spray Calcium Nitrate 6 bags 22.00 132.00 6.00 bags 132.00 Apply from tuber initiation till maturity
TOTAL FERTILISER 1,406.00
HERBICIDES
Grasses and some broadleafs Lasso 48EC 3.5 litre 9.00 31.50 3.50 litre 31.50 Pre-emergence for control of grasses and some broad leaf weeds
Metribuzin 1.5 litre 18.00 27.00 1.50 litre 27.00 Pre-emergence for control of grasses and some broad leaf weeds
Annual and perennial grasses Fulisade super 2 litre 30.00 60.00 2.00 litre 60.00 Post-emergence over the crop for grass weeds control
Bassagran 3 litre 18.00 54.00 3.00 litre 54.00 Post-emergence over the crop for grass weeds control and nutsedge
TOTAL HERBICIDES 172.50
INSECTICIDES
Nematodes Fenamiphos 25 kg 24.00 600.00 25.00 kg 600.00 Apply at planting into furrows as a band or per plant station (if in liquid form apply 4l/ha)
Cutworms Karate 0.1 litre 10.00 1.00 0.10 litre 1.00 Spray over the crop row at emergence at 100ml/ha
Red spider mite Abamec 1 litre 12.00 12.00 1.00 litre 12.00
Potato tuber moth Monocron 0.6 litre 18.00 10.80 1.80 litre 32.40 Apply at 155ml/100lt water at 500lt mix/Ha at 10days intervals
3 sprays
Leaf miner Dynamec 0.25 litre 25.00 6.25 0.80 litre 75.00 Apply 3 sprays at 250ml/ha when leaf miner is present
Aphids and RSM Dimethoate 0.8 litre 9.00 7.20 0.80 litre 7.20 Apply 2 sprays at 750ml/ha for RSM and aphids
TOTAL HERBICIDES 727.60
FUNGICIDES
Stem rot Phosguard 0.6 litre 5 3.00 0.6 litre 3.00
Bacterial wilt Copper oxychloride 50WP 2 kg 10 20.00 8 kg 80.00 Apply as spray weekly or drench accected plants
4 sprays
Late blight Ridomil gold/Miltraz 2.5 kg 25 62.50 2.5 kg 62.50 Full cover spray. Max 2 sprays 10 days apart during wet periods
(curative)
Early and Late Blight Mancozeb 2 kg 9 36.00 4 kg 36.00 apply as full cover spray at 7-10 days interval
(Preventative) 2 sprays
Enhancing Sprouting Giberrilic acid 0.3 litre 10 0.32 0.3 litre 0.32 Mix 32ml in 200l water and dip enough tubers for 1 ha
Folicur 1 ltre 18 18.00 1 litre 18.00
TOTAL FUNGICIDES 199.82
SEED (MONDEL) 30kg pocket 100 28 2,800.00

TOTAL CHEMICALS, FERTILISERS AND SEED 5,305.92
Miscellaneous (5%) 265.30
Plant population per hactare 32000
Expected yield 45 tonnes (2970 pockets)

Expected sales 2970 pockets@ $10/ pocket 29,700.00
GROSS MARGIN 24,128.78


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GUIDELINES FOR POTATO FARMING IN ZIMBABWE

©ZimInvestors 2015 Edition

©ZimInvestors 2015 Edition email: invest@ziminvestors.com twitter: @ziminvestors

produces by different seed producers including True Potato Seed (TPS).

expensive to produce. A Grade is obtained from AA grade. It is produced by farmers

contracted to the Seed Potato Producers Association, normally on farms in Natural

Regions IIa and IIb.

tubers are not injured.

©ZimInvestors 2015 Edition email: invest@ziminvestors.com twitter: @ziminvestors

gibberellic acid can be used to force sprout potatoes.

 Using gibberellic acid

 Below are the guidelines for using gibberellic acid:

 Prepare gibberellic acid-water mixture in a suitable container e.g. drum

 Dip your pockets into gibberellic acid-water mixture as recommended

 Decant the wet tubers and spread them to dry

 Make sure all tubers are totally dry

grass in a dark area.

 Check seed for sprouts beginning two weeks

 When using heat: Cover the tubers in tarpaulin in moderate sunshine.

©ZimInvestors 2015 Edition email: invest@ziminvestors.com twitter: @ziminvestors

True Potato Seed (TPS)

3. Soil and Land Preparation

©ZimInvestors 2015 Edition email: invest@ziminvestors.com twitter: @ziminvestors

oxygen for root, stolen and tuber growth.

recommended to include a nematode-resistant grass in a 3-4 yearly for sandy soils.

high pH levels can predispose the crop to common scab.

and also reduce cutworm problem.

germination. Normally, a second irrigation is given about a week later.

Subsequent irrigations are applied when required based on irrigation

frequent irrigations. The critical stages requiring water are s t o l o n

formation, tuber initiation and development. Irrigating should be

stop ped about 1 0 d a y s before harvesting in order to allow f o r the

(up to 150mm) planting can be done under dryland conditions. The

standard spacing is 90cm x 30cm, but it can vary between 60-120cm

Planting potatoes in furrows

In Zimbabwe, it is possible to produce three potato crops within a

twelve months period. The “Summer Crop” is planted in November and

©ZimInvestors 2015 Edition email: invest@ziminvestors.com twitter: @ziminvestors

So a lot of financial resources are invested in pest and disease

management. Also, prolonged rains may pose problems at harvest due

crop normally matures before the occurrence of frost. In the Lowveld, it

is recommended to plant later (April) so that the crop develops

during cooler weather.

therefore advised to grow resistant varieties. The “Second Winter Crop”

cheapest crop to produce since not much pesticide is applied to the

crop. However, the farmer must have adequate irrigation facilities.

of time. Large amounts of fertilizer are therefore required. However,

avoid excessive nitrogen supply to the crop as it causes lush growth.

©ZimInvestors 2015 Edition email: invest@ziminvestors.com twitter: @ziminvestors

increases yield b y increasing the number of medium sized tubers while

nitrogen should be applied at planting and the remainder at 2-3 weeks

side of the seed to avoid contact with the seed. Farmers n o r m a l l y

use C o m p o u n d S for basal d r e s s i n g , but even Compound D

can be used. Avoid using muriate of potash (potassium chloride) since

the crop is sensitive to chlorine. Instead, use potassium sulphate.

Where synthetic fertilizers are not available, 30t/ha farmyard manure

©ZimInvestors 2015 Edition email: invest@ziminvestors.com twitter: @ziminvestors

Earthing up potatoes will increase the length of the underground stem

advantage of smothering weeds.

tubers. Earthing up is also necessary to protect tubers from greening,

the time the crop is 25cm tall.

pathogens. Use cultural, chemical and mechanical means to control

them. Commonly used herbicides include Topogard (tebutryne), Dual