Water is crucial for potato growth, but the amount of water significantly impacts yield and quality. Both insufficient and excessive watering negatively affect potato plants.
Effects of Insufficient Water
Too little water stresses potato plants, making them vulnerable to diseases like common scab. This significantly reduces yields and increases the number of unmarketable potatoes (culls). [Source: In short, too little water will create stress making plants susceptible to opportunistic diseases, promote common scab, and drastically reduce yields and increase culls.] Plants close their stomata (tiny pores on leaves) at even minor soil moisture deficits, impacting photosynthesis and overall growth. [Source: Potatoes are very sensitive to drought and water stress Wan Loon, 1981). Compared to other crop plants, they close their stomata at very minor soil moisture… ] Water stress during tuber bulking (the period of rapid tuber growth) disrupts expansion, reducing the final size and potentially affecting the quality of the potatoes. [Source: Water stress during bulking disrupts tuber growth by reducing or stopping tuber expansion. When tuber growth resumes after rain or irrigation,…]
Effects of Excessive Water
Conversely, overwatering leads to various problems. Excessive water causes water rot in vines and tubers, creating ideal conditions for late blight infestation. [Source: Excessive water will increase water rots of vines and tubers, and create conditions for late blight infestation.] It also promotes brown center and hollow heart in larger tubers, and can cause the vines to die prematurely. [Source: Excessive water will increase brown center and hollow heart of larger tubers, and promote early dying of the vine. Too much loose water, swampiness, can also… ] Planting seed potatoes in cold, waterlogged soil can cause them to rot. [Source: Seed potatoes can rot if planted too early in cold water-logged soil.]
Optimal Water Management
The ideal amount of water varies depending on climate, soil type, and potato variety. A general guideline suggests that potatoes need approximately 18 inches of water throughout their growing season. This water needs to be supplied through a combination of rainfall, stored soil moisture, and irrigation. [Source: The average seasonal water use for potatoes is nearly 18", which must be provided by stored soil moisture, rain, and irrigation, usually from center pivots or… ] Careful irrigation scheduling is essential to ensure adequate water supply without overwatering. The timing of any water stress periods also matters; short periods during the vegetative growth and tuberization stages can negatively impact plant growth and yield. [Source: In humid climate regions, a short period of water deficit, especially during the vegetative growth and tuberization stages, has been found… ]
Summary
Proper water management is paramount for successful potato cultivation. Maintaining adequate soil moisture without excessive watering prevents diseases, ensures optimal tuber development, and maximizes yield and quality.
