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Ontario potato field day

August 23, 2016 - Approximately 250 growers, crop consultants and potato-industry personnel gathered at the 2016 Ontario Potato Field Day on Aug. 18 in Alliston, Ont., to see the latest potato equipment, new potato varieties and a trade show. The day was hosted by HJV Equipment, supported by the Ontario Potato Board and organized by Eugenia Banks, Ontario potato specialist.

There were over 100 new potato varieties on display; varieties for the fresh, processing and specialty markets. For the fresh market, the variety Actrice (Real Potatoes) caught the attention of many growers because of its attractive tubers with smooth, shiny skin. Actrice is an early, yellow-fleshed variety that is very tasty. Primabelle and Panamera (HZPC Americas) are two yellow-fleshed varieties that got good reviews from potato growers.

Among the russet potatoes for the French fry market, Alta Strong (Real Potatoes) and Pomerelle Russet (Pommes de Terre Laurentiennes) were well rated by growers.

There was interest in Kalmia (La Patate Lac Saint-Jean) a white-fleshed, fresh-market variety that could also be used as a French fryer.

Double Fun (HZPC Americas) had the nicest skin among the purple-fleshed varieties. It also has very good culinary traits.

Among the trade show exhibitors, the Quebec Company Lab’ Eau-Air-Sol demonstrated the use of spore traps for foliar diseases of vegetables.

Douglas Ag. Services provided the latest information on chloropicrin application to control soil-borne diseases. Maximum H2O System (Mississauga) restructures water and minerals at a molecular level to make them more bio-available to plants.

The displays of Gorman Controls and GRB Ag. Technologies focused on storage management.Potato growers attend this important annual event because they obtain practical, up-to-date information on varieties and the latest potato-production technology that allows them to remain competitive.

The day is also a chance for growers to meet in a friendly, informal setting to discuss problems.

August 25, 2016  By Kevin Brubacher Ontario Potato Board