Growing Potatoes for Industrial Processing in the Nizhny Novgorod Region: Hilling and Herbicide Treatments

Continuing our observation of the potato cultivation experiment for chip production organized by the agricultural enterprise "AgroAllyance-NN" in the Nizhny Novgorod region. Let's remind ourselves of the project participants:

1. LLC "AgroAllyance-NN" - a potato farming enterprise located in the Perevozsky district of the Nizhny Novgorod region. It provides the site for conducting the experiment and possesses the necessary expertise and equipment.
2. JSC Firm "Avgust" - a Russian manufacturer of plant protection products. It provides crop protection agents and offers consulting services to establish an effective protection scheme.
3. LLC "NORIKA-SLAVIA" - the official representative of the NORIKA breeding and seed company in Russia. It supplies potato seeds of varieties suitable for industrial processing.
4. LLC "Agrotrade" - a supplier of a complete range of products for potato production. It provides services for the preparation and maintenance of equipment for planting and harvesting potatoes.
5. LLC "Potential" - a supplier of irrigation equipment from leading global manufacturers. It offers commissioning services for sprinkler machines and pump equipment and provides consultations on equipment operation.
6. LLC "Frito Lay Manufacturing" - the largest producer of potato chips from natural potatoes in Russia (Lay's brand). It provides full support for every process related to the cultivation and storage of chip potatoes, from recommendations for purchasing seed material, taking into account regional characteristics, to delivering potatoes to one of the three factories in Russia.

Several potato varieties are being cultivated in the experimental field. Among them are VR 808, Newton, Lady Claire, Bonus, Kibitz, and Piroule. Each of them has high potential for producing quality chips.

The next step after planting the potatoes was hilling. This operation ensures proper aeration and maintains the optimal soil moisture balance.

After the formation of the hills, the first herbicide treatment was carried out before the emergence of potato seedlings. As it is well known, the yield of the crop largely depends on the amount of nutrients the plants receive during the vegetative period. Therefore, timely weed control is crucial. Treating the fields on the 6th or 7th day after planting helps to eliminate weed plants in the thread-like sprout stage.

To consolidate the results, a second herbicide treatment was performed. Simultaneously, a fungicide treatment was carried out to protect the plants from possible fungal infections that could threaten the crop.

It is also worth noting that the Nizhny Novgorod region has experienced favorable weather conditions for potato cultivation in the first decade of June. The daytime temperature remains within the range of 18-20°C, and there have been light rains. However, summer is just beginning, and currently, the farm's agronomists are monitoring the soil moisture level to start irrigation promptly if necessary.

We continue to observe the experimental plantings and are pleased to share the information we gather with our readers. In the next update, we will discuss fungicide treatments and irrigation, which will be essential factors in achieving a successful harvest. Stay with us and follow the upcoming updates!