Potato World vision Cost reduction through yield increase If we want to maintain our current export position for seed and consumption potatoes, we must continue to supply the best quality at the best price. The first thing growers often think of when cost reduction is brought up is lower costs per hectare. They save 100 to 200 euros on fertiliser and/or plant protection chemicals, although this only determines 15 percent of the yield of the crop. 85 percent of the yield is determined by the actual yield per hectare and the sales price. I think, therefore, that this is where our challenge lies. After analysing the differences among seed potato farms in our district, I see that one grower is happy with 30 tons of a particular variety, while another farmer - growing the same variety and category - yields over 50 tons. At an average cost of 4,000 euros per hectare, this means a difference in cost price of 130 and 80 euros per ton of seed respectively. It is often the growers who are prepared to invest a little bit more in soil, fertilisation and crop protection who are having the higher yields. Also, at current seed prices of approximately 300 euros a ton, you gain 5,000 euros extra per hectare. This 20 ton additional revenue results in a cost reduction of over 60 percent! I just wonder why farmers do not think more about crop yields. Especially with the intensive cropping plans in the province of Flevoland, growers regularly need to spend more to keep the same level of yield. What strikes me most is that farmers who have started to work more extensively, are more concerned about the quality and fertility of the soil. They see their yields increase and their costs fall. Another thing is that intensively cultivated plots run greater risks than plots with good soil fertility and a more extensive cropping plan. I am convinced that most profit through cost reduction comes from investment in soil fertility and improvements in yield and the quality of the crop. Jeroen Nijenhuis Agrifirm Plant, Flevoland District For more information call: +31- (0)70-3589331 or e-mail to info@potatoworld.nl PW-ACTUA Chinese radish now has chitwoodi resistance The Chinese radish green manure crop has long had a reputation as a host plant for problem nematodes in potatoes. Recently, however, this problem was relegated to the past as a result of the arrival of the Doublet variety, according to plant selection company Limagrain. The variety is resistant to both Meloïdogyne chitwoodi and beet eelworm (BCA-1). Chinese radish is very popular with the Dutch crop growers as a green manure crop because of its rich leaf and root mass and its resistance to various nematodes. Until recently, this resistance only worked for nematodes such as the beet eelworm. The plant is now also resistant to problem nematodes in potatoes. According to Limagrain, susceptibility to Meloïdogyne chitwoodi has been almost reduced to nil. Limagrain expects a huge demand for the new variety, considering the increasing problems with nematodes in potato growing. ● Potato World 2011 • number 2 7 Book your advertisement in the official exhibition catalog of 2011 Pagina 6
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