Above-ground Potato Monitoring for Improved Underground Yield

24/7 real-time monitoring of plant health, potential threats, and growth patterns with agri-cameras

Potato: Key Facts

Potatoes are a starchy root vegetable cultivated worldwide. Currently, there are over 5000 varieties of this crop. It is grown for edible tubers that are rich in vitamins, potassium, and fiber, which makes it one of the staple foods in many countries. Potatoes prefer well-drained, loamy soils, require consistent moisture levels throughout the growth cycle, and are sensitive to extreme temperatures. They require proper irrigation, fertilization, and disease control.

Potato is particularly valued for its versatility in cooking, from frying and boiling to roasting and grilling. It is suitable for soups, salads, stews, and as a side dish; potato starch is commonly used in canned food production and baking.

Height

30 to 100 cm (12 to 40 inches)

Yield

20 to 70 tons per hectare

Pollination

Primarily self-pollinating; wind and insects like bumblebees can facilitate the process, but tuber formation doesn’t depend on flowering.

Roots

Shallow fibrous root system with most roots concentrated in the top 30 cm of the soil. Develops edible tubers that store nutrients.

Plant spacing
and depth

25-40 cm (10-15 inches) between tubers and 70-90 cm (27-35 inches) between rows; 5-15 cm (2-6 inches) deep, depending on the size and soil type.

Irrigation needs

Consistent moderate moisture levels; 100 to 200 liters of water per plant per growing season.

Geography

Worldwide; primarily in temperate and subtropical regions. Major producers are China, India, Ukraine, Russia, and the US.

Temperature

Potatoes are sensitive to extreme temperatures and prefer cooler climates, ideally 7-21 °C (45-70 °F), depending on the growth stage.

Season

From March-April to June-September in temperate climates; year-round in warmer locations.

Growth cycle duration

90-120 days

Soil

Loamy, well-draining soil with sufficient organic matter content.

5.5-6.5

Potato Phenophases and Signs to Look Out For

Sprouting and emergence

The seed tubers begin to sprout. Shoots emerge from the soil, become thicker, and form the first leaves. The roots start establishing in the top layer of the soil.

Common threats and diseases: Fungal diseases like tuber rot or early blight; soil-borne diseases; pests like wireworms or maggots.

Signs to watch: Slow or uneven emergence, discolored or damaged shoots, signs of pest activity.

Vegetative growth

The plant produces new, thicker stems and more foliage. The roots become stronger and start to store nutrients and starches for future tuber development. Toward the end of this stage, flowering begins; it doesn’t affect tuber development but indicates plant health.

Common threats and diseases: Aphids, leafhoppers; early blight and powdery mildew, especially in the case of high humidity. Nutrient deficiencies — adequate nitrogen levels are important at this stage.

Signs to watch: Stunted growth; yellowing, discolored, or curling leaves; spots or concentric rings on the leaves.

Tuber initiation

The plants shift energy towards tuber growth: tubers start forming on stolons, underground stems. Optimal soil moisture is critical at this stage.

Common threats and diseases: Fungal diseases like black scurf; pests like Colorado potato beetles; calcium deficiency. Both drought and waterlogging are harmful.

Signs to watch: Wilted leaves, reduced tuber set, surface cracking on tubers, pest damage.

Tuber bulking

Tubers accumulate starch and enlarge. The plants continue to strengthen the root system, and canopies photosynthesize to support the delivery of sugars and nutrients to tubers. During this weeks-long stage, the plants depend on water availability, temperature, and soil fertility.

Common threats and diseases: Late blight, bacterial soft rot, Colorado potato beetles, nematodes.

Signs to watch: Yellowing or browning patches on the leaves; soft, rotting areas on tubers; stunted tuber growth.

Maturity and senescence

The final stage, during which the plant gradually reduces growth activity. Foliage begins to yellow and die; tubers reach their maximum size and weight, develop a firm skin, and are ready to be harvested.

Common threats and diseases: Late-season blight; pests like rodents; adverse environmental conditions like frost.

Signs to watch: Uneven or premature yellowing or wilting of leaves; soft spots, wet rot, cracking, or secondary growth on tubers.

Common types

Russet

Large, oblong tubers with brown skin and white flesh. Due to their high starch content and fluffy texture when cooked, they are commonly used for baking, frying, and mashing.

White potatoes

Potatoes with thin pale brown skin and white flesh that has a creamy texture when cooked. Commonly used for boiling and mashing as well as in soups, salads, and stews.

Fingerling

Small, elongated tubers, typically waxy. Fingerling potatoes usually have a light nutty flavor and are used for roasting, grilling, salads, and other dishes.

Yellow potatoes

A large category of potatoes with thin yellow skin and pale yellow flesh where tubers are more waxy and moist rather than starchy. Suitable for most cooking methods, from boiling and mashing to baking and roasting.

Petite

Bite-sized varieties of yellow, white, red, and fingerling potatoes. Tubers are typically firm and waxy, which makes them perfect for frying, boiling, and roasting whole.

Red potatoes

Have smaller tubers with red skin and white or light yellow flesh. Known for retaining their shape well when boiled and having a smooth texture when roasted.

Cropler helps in every field

Canada

Monitoring the health of potato plants

Potato, 7 August 2024

Potato, 9 August 2024

Potato, 16 August 2024

Cropler’s agri-camera helped to identify a significant deterioration of the potato plants over a short period of time. In the first image from August 7, the plants look green and healthy, but in the subsequent photos, we see a significant deterioration of the plants. This could happen for several reasons: frost or improper treatment with agro-preparations.

Outcome: Remote photo monitoring helped farmers to promptly examine the extent of the damage and start a more detailed study of the situation, taking into account the weather conditions and the history of the field treatment. They were able to make timely agricultural decisions based on real-time daily plant data.

Cropler helps in many ways

Monitor plant health remotely 24/7

Choose the best time to irrigate and fertilize

Act quickly in the case of diseases or pests

Plan harvesting and estimate yield potential