PRODUCTION OF EARLY/SPECIALTY POTATOES USING PLASTICULTURE

摘要

The production of early/specialty potatoes for direct marketing or sale to consumers can be a very lucrative enterprise for many growers who only grow 3-5 acres of potatoes in Pennsylvania. There are many excellent farm markets located throughout theCommonwealth that sell a wide variety of produce to consumers throughout the growing season. It is traditional here in Pennsylvania that in the late spring/early summer consumer is anticipating the arrival of "new potatoes" or "B" size red potatoes at the local retail stands. These early potatoes command a high price and with the increasing popularity of specialty potatoes (different colored skins and flesh), growers are able to offer an increasing colorful display of potatoes to the consuming public. In order to provide high quality, early potatoes for their markets, growers in Pennsylvania are using intensive production technology or plasticulture (plastic mulches, drip irrigation, fertigation, high tunnels, and row covers). The use of plasticulturetechnology can provide for earlier production, increase marketable yields and improved quality of the product.