Prince Edward Island’s potato industry, already accustomed to weather challenges, is bracing for one of its most disappointing harvests in years, as Bill McGuire reports for Island Farmer.
As of late August, the Island remains locked in a prolonged drought, and Greg Donald, general manager of the PEI Potato Board, says producers are steeling themselves for a below-average crop.
“Without question, this will be a below average year,” Donald said. “How poor we end up will depend on what happens in the next few weeks, but the damage is done. The plants have been under extreme stress.”
July delivered only 44.8 millimetres of rain in Charlottetown—barely half the long-term average. By August 26, the capital city had recorded just over 10 millimetres, compared with a normal monthly rainfall of 89 mm. Across the province, water levels have dropped to near-historic lows, while strict bans on outdoor burning remain in place.
The heat has compounded the problem. PEI endured more than seven days of temperatures over 30°C between late July and mid-August, with one record-breaking day hitting 39.5°C at Fox Island. Strong winds further dehydrated soils.
“There are areas that will have average crops, especially where irrigation is in place,” Donald said. “But the majority of the Island is going to be well below average. There’s no question about that.”
Early harvested fields are already showing poor yields and small tuber size. Later-maturing varieties may still benefit if rains arrive soon, but Donald is cautious. “Every week without rain makes the outlook worse,” he said.
The brunt of the drought will fall hardest on table and processing potatoes. Seed producers, Donald said, may be somewhat shielded since seed is grown to a smaller, specific size profile.
Source: Island Farmer | Peicanada.com. Read the full story here
English 
Português do Brasil 
Français du Canada 
Español de México