Let’s grow: Potatoes
Background
There is nothing humble about potatoes. Potatoes are the world’s number one non-grain food after maize, wheat, and rice. What is more, potatoes are tasty, versatile, and super convenient. Whether in a stew, as a side or main carb on a plate, this underground hidden treasure knows how to turn every meal occasion into a memorable occasion.
South Africa has a dual agricultural sector comprising of highly developed commercial producers as well as small-scale and subsistence-based producers. Potato production in South Africa has been on the rise, with total hectares averaging 52 407 between 2010 and 2020 and an estimated average total crop of 2.3 million tonnes during the same period.
The South African potato industry boasts 16 production regions with the capacity and capability to supply potatoes all year round. The primary potato sector is valued at R8 billion while the secondary sector is valued at R25 billion. This makes the sector a positive and powerful contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as well as a potent alternative to addressing issues of poverty, hunger, and ever-rising unemployment.
Part 2: Andermatt Madumbi and potatoes production
As with all crop production, consumers are driving the change to healthy, sustainable crop production. Growers are under pressure to comply with certification, ensuring standards and demands are being met.
Andermatt Madumbi offers a comprehensive range of biorational solutions to support avocado growers. A healthy root system is the foundation of a healthy plant, healthy plants are more resilient to environmental stress factors and better equipped to fight off pests and diseases.
Incorporating biofungicides and bioinsecticides into IPM (Integrated Pest Management) programs offers many benefits:
- Effective, safe pest/disease control which can be alternated with chemical applications.
- Safeguard resistance management.
- Pest/disease control that is safe to use right up until harvesting.
- Safe for use in areas where beneficial insects have been introduced.
- Strong, healthy plants produce high quality crops with enhanced shelf-life.
Root Health
Soil and root health are essential for the production of healthy food. The resulting plants are stronger, exhibiting increased pest and disease resistance.
The Andermatt Madumbi Root Health program combines beneficial microbes with nutritional support. These 4 products are applied in combination at planting to enhance root growth ensuring your plants have the best possible start.
Andermatt Madumbi products to support root health in potatoes:
Plant Vitality
Andermatt Madumbi products to support plant vitality in potatoes:
Andermatt Madumbi’s V12 range provides tailored nutrient support based on the 12 essential components of plant vitality, ie. the engine that drives plant growth.
V12 Range
Andermatt Madumbi’s V12 range provides tailored nutrient support based on the 12 essential components of plant vitality, ie. the engine that drives plant growth.
Bio Crop Protection
Our Bio Crop Protection Range consists of disease and pest management solutions with active ingredients that include fungi, bacteria, baculoviruses and plant extracts.
The following Andermatt Madumbi Bio Crop Protection solutions are registered for use on potatoes: