New Care Tips Boost Potato and Fruit Tree Yields
Potato growers and fruit tree farmers can benefit from new care tips. Uniform soil moisture from mid-summer can prevent 'hollow heart' in potatoes. Meanwhile, wrapping fruit tree trunks protects them from winter sunscald and black rot fungal canker.
Hollow heart affects potato tubers, causing internal gaps at their centers. This physiological disorder is not a disease or insect infestation. It's primarily caused by rapid growth spurs triggered by heavy rainfall or fluctuating soil temperature. White and russet potato varieties are more prone to this issue than red types.
To prevent hollow heart, maintain uniform soil moisture from mid-summer onwards. This helps control rapid cell multiplication and uneven cell growth during tuber formation. While tubers with hollow heart are safe to eat after removing discolored parts, their storage life may be shortened.
For fruit tree care, commercial orchards use diluted white paint or tree wrap to protect trunks from winter sunscald and black rot fungal canker. This simple practice helps safeguard trees during harsh winter conditions.
In summary, maintaining uniform soil moisture from mid-summer can help prevent hollow heart in potatoes. For fruit trees, wrapping trunks with diluted white paint or tree wrap protects them from winter sunscald and black rot fungal canker. These simple practices can significantly improve crop health and yield.
