Experiences with electrophysical desiccation in early potatoes from Rhineland-Palatinate

Abstract

Electrophysical desiccation of early potatoes was tested as a non-chemical tool to reduce herbicide use. Therefore, the XPower device (Zasso®) was tested at three sites (Rhineland-Palatinate) in three trial years (2020–2022) with two driving speeds and in combinations with chemical and non-chemical desiccation tools. In addition, the role of N-fertilization and irrigation on the efficacy of electrophysical desiccation was analyzed. At 3 km h-1 driving speed, a higher level of leaf and stem necrosis was obtained compared to 6 km h-1 driving speed. The level of leaf and stem necrosis was comparable to chemical desiccation. The peel of the tubers was hardened in all desiccation treatments 14 days after desiccation. The occurrence of heel end necrosis in the electrophysical treatment was significantly reduced by increasing the driving speed and irrigation prior to desiccation.

Keywords

• Solanum tubersoum L.
• peel strength
• tuber quality
• heel end necrosis
• vascular discoloration
• electrophysical vegetation control